B6 Flashcards
What are antigens?
Specific proteins on the surface of cells
What are antibodies?
Proteins produced by white blood cells that recognise and bind to specific antigens
What is herdal immunity?
When a large proportion of a population are immune to a diseas
Describe the process of making monoclonal antibodies?
5
1) mouse injected with antigen
2) B cells producing desired antibody isolated from mouse spleen
3) B cells fused with cancerous myeloma cells
4) This forms hybridoma cells that can produce antibodies and divide to form clones
5) Desired hybridoma is isolated and produced in bulk
3 uses of monoclonal antibodies
Pregnancy tests
Disease diagnosis
Research
How are monoclonal antibodies used in pregnancy tests?
The antigen is the hormone which is released at the early stage of pregnancy.
Detected using monoclonal antibodies
How are monoclonal antibodies used to diagnose diseases?
They are used to recognise pathogens/blood clots/cancerous cells.
The antibodies have markers so they can be detected.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used to treat diseases?
They can target a specific cell for treatment without affecting the surrounding healthy cells
3 ways monoclonal antibodies can be used to treat cancer
1) antibody triggers immune system to attack and destroys cancer cells
2) antibodies block receptors in cancer cells so they stop growing
3) antibodies carry treatment with them to cancer cell to destroy it.
Advantages of monoclonal antibodies
- does not affect healthy cells
- can be used to treat a wide range of conditions
Disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies
- expensive
- create side effects
- attaching drugs to antibody is difficult