Download Monoclonal antibodies student presentation

Monoclonal
antibodies.
BY WARREN PALMER.
Monoclonal antibodies.

An antibody produced by a single clone of cells or cell line and
consisting of identical antibody molecule.

A bacterium or microorganism entering the body is likely to have
hundreds of different antigens on its surface.

Each antigen will induce a different B cell to multiply and form
clones of itself. each of these clones will produce a different
antibody(a blood protein produced in response to and
counteracting a specific antigen).

It is of medical significance to produce antibodies outside the body,
it is even better if a single type of antibody can be isolated and
cloned.
Medical diagnosis.

Monoclonal antibodies are invaluable tool in diagnosis of disease
with over a hundred of different diagnostic products based on
them.

They are used for the diagnosis of influenza, hepatitis and chlamydia
infections where they produce a much more rapid result than
conventional methods of diagnosis.

They are important when diagnosing certain types of cancer for
example prostate cancer in men. More of a protein called Prostate
Specific Antigen (PSA) leading to usually high levels in the blood.

Using monoclonal antibody that interacts with this antigen, it is
possible to obtain a measure of the level of PSA in a sample of
blood.
Monoclonal Antibodies and Pregnancy Testing
• Firstly, a hormone called hCG is detected on the strip. This is produced by
the placenta and is present in urine.
• There are monoclonal antibodies on the strip of the test are linked to
coloured particles. The monoclonal antibodies bind to the hCG. These then
move along the stick to the test region.
• The test region of the stick contains immobilized anti-hCG antibodies.
These bind to alternative sites on the hCG which traps it. The colours
particles on the previous antibody change the colour of the coating on the
stick. This is evidence of a positive test.
• The unbound antibodies progress up the stick into the control region. This
enzyme also causes a colour change, which is proof of antibodies behaving
properly, but not proof of pregnancy.
Ethical use of Monoclonal Antibodies

Mice are used to produce antibodies and tumour cells. To produce tumour
cells, these mice must be deliberately given cancer induced by scientists.
Although these mice don’t suffer, many people still believe that animals
should not be used in this way.

Informed consent is where patients treated with Monoclonal Antibodies know
all the risks and benefits of whichever drug is being issued. This is because
Monoclonal Antibodies have saved many lives (e.g. treating cancer or
diabetes), but have also been associated with deaths, especially with their
use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Issues have been raised, however, concerning the safety of many new drugs.
For example, in March of 2006, six healthy volunteers took part in the trial of
a new monoclonal antibody. Within minutes, they all suffered multiple organ
failure. Despite all six volunteers surviving, it still brings controversy
regarding the conduct of drug trials.
ELISA test: Introduction
ELISA stands for: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay
An ELISA test is incredibly sensitive and only needs a tiny amount of
molecule to give a positive result.
The test is used to detect certain viruses and bacteria, such as HIV and
the pathogen related to tuberculosis and hepatitis.
It is especially useful when the quantity of antigen needs to be
measured (e.g. drug testing).
ELISA test: Introduction
ELISA stands for: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay
An ELISA test is incredibly sensitive and only needs a tiny amount of
molecule to give a positive result.
The test is used to detect certain viruses and bacteria, such as HIV and
the pathogen related to tuberculosis and hepatitis.
It is especially useful when the quantity of antigen needs to be
measured (e.g. drug testing).
Targeting medication to specific cell types (cancer cells)
Monoclonal antibodies can be used to target specific molecules and substances. One types of cell they can target
are cancer cells:
• Monoclonal antibodies are produced that are specific to the antigens on cancer cells.
• These antibodies are given to a patient and attach themselves to the receptors on cancer cells.
• They attach to the surface of their cancer cells, and block the chemical signals which stimulate their
uncontrolled growth.
An example of a monoclonal antibody which targets cancer cells is Herceptin. This is non toxic and highly specific,
so has fewer side effects than other forms of therapy, such as chemo.
Another method of using monoclonal antibodies to fight cancer cells is called indirect monoclonal antibody
therapy. This involves attaching a cytotoxic drug to a monoclonal antibody, which kills the cancer cells when the
antibody attaches to it.
Monoclonal antibodies can be used in smaller doses, as they are targeted on specific sites. Using them in smaller
doses is cheaper and reduces any side effects the drug might have.