Monoclonal Antibodies Flashcards
What are monoclonal antibodies? (MoAb)
Immunoglobulin sequences that recognize a specific antigen or protein
Most common type of MoAb
IgG
Two main classes of MoAb
Unconjugated/naked and conjugated
What are conjugated MoAbs attached to?
A toxin, chemo agent, or radioactive particle
What can MoAbs target?
Surface antigen to cause cell death or growth receptor factors
Sources of MoAbs
Humans, humanized, chimeric/other animals
When the source of antibodies is from an animal, what can happen?
HAMA reaction
How can a HAMA reaction be prevented?
Premedicating the patient
Liposomal conjugate definition
A drug placed in a liposome and attached to a MoAb
Examples of a liposomal conjugate
Amphotericin B, doxorubicin
Clinically used MoAbs
OKT3 (muromonab), alemtuzumab (Campath)
MoAbs in drug analysis
Assays
MoAbs in diagnostics
Used in rapid pregnancy tests
Limitations of MoAbs
Limited production (alter availability and accessibility of the drug)
Antigenic modulation
Infections and cancer: patients can develop secondary immunodeficiencies and cancer-like lymphomas
HAMA reactions
What determines the side effects of a MoAb?
The source of the MoAb (human, humanized, chimeric, etc.)
