monoclonal anitbodies

Question 1

define: monoclonal antibodies

Answer 1

sets of anitbodies that all bind to the same antigen.

Question 2

how are monoclonal antibodies formed?

Answer 2

• Mouse vaccinated to produce antibodies; spleen cells forming antibodies are fused with tumour cells (myeloma  hybridoma) which are grown in a lab, and the antibodies are separated.

Question 3

define: naked monoclonal antibodies

Answer 3

no other molecules are joined.

Question 4

purposes of naked monoclonal antibodies

Answer 4

o Stops growth of new blood vessels to cancers. Turmours release growth factors which signal to nearby blood vessels to sprout more. But the MCA’s bind to growth factors, preventing growth of BV’s, supply of nutrients and growth of tumour is inhibited
o Bind to antigens of cencer cells, acting as markers that attract immune cells to attack cancer cells.
o Blcks signals for cell division. When growth factors bind to receptors on cancer cells, this produces a signal for cells to divide. MCA’s bind to receptors, preventing growth factors from binding, slowing/preventing cancer growth.

Question 5

define: conjugated monoclonal antibodies

Answer 5

joined to another molecule

Question 6

purposes of conjugated monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 6

o Joined to chemotheraphy drug; delivered to target antigen on the specific cancer cell
o Joined to radioisotope particle; MCA binds to cancer antigen, and radioisotope emits radiation that can destroy the cancer cell.