Monoclonal Antibodies

Question 1

What is a monoclonal antibody

Answer 1

One type of antibody produced from a clone of plasma cells
( Antibodies are very specific and binding sites have a unique structure therefore complimentary shape to antigen)

Question 2

What are monoclonal antibodies used to diagnose

Answer 2

-pregnancy
-influenza
-hepatitis
-chlamydia
-Some cancers (ie prostate)

Question 3

What do we use monoclonal antibodies for

Answer 3

-Measure hormone levels and other chemicals in the blood or to detect pathogens
-Treat certain diseases by binding them to radioactive substance or toxic drugs
-pregnancy tests
-Identifying specific molecules in a cell or tissue by binding them to a fluorescent dye

Question 4

What is direct monoclonal antibody therapy?

Answer 4

Monoclonal antibody attaches to specific antigen and blocks chemical signals that stimulate uncontrolled cell division

Question 5

What is indirect monoclonal antibody?

Answer 5

Attaching a therapeutic drug to target taste of specific cell type (e.g. the magic bullet)

Question 6

What are some direct monoclonal antibody advantages?

Answer 6

-antibodies are not toxic
-antibodies are highly specific
-fewer side effects than other forms of therapy

Question 7

Indirect monoclonal antibody advantages

Answer 7

-smaller doses which means it is cheaper and reduces side effects
-targets specific sites