See antibody, monoclonal.
an antibody produced artificially from a cell *clone and therefore consisting of a single type of immunoglobulin. Monoclonal antibodies are produced by fusing antibody-forming lymphocytes from mouse spleen with mouse myeloma cells. The resulting hybrid cells multiply rapidly (like cancer cells) and produce the same antibody as their parent lymphocytes. In addition to their use in research, monoclonal antibodies are valuable diagnostic tools and have also been developed as pharmaceutical agents for treating a variety of conditions. For example, they are used in the detection and treatment of cancer, as each one recognizes different proteins on the surface of both malignant and benign cells. They can be used alone as monotherapy or to deliver drugs or radioactive materials (e.g. yttrium-90) directly to tumour cells.
Immunologic proteins, usually made from immunoglobulins, that are capable of binding to, and rendering inactive, foreign substances that have entered the skin envelope and have been deemed dangerous. They may be synthesized anew in the presence of a previously encountered substance (antigen); they may be present in small amounts at all times in the bloodstream; or they may be present in the tissues in a more primitive form designed to react to a broad spectrum of potential antigens. The latter may be responsible for some allergies.... antibody
An arti?cially prepared antibody (see ANTIBODIES) obtained from cell clones – a genetically identical group of cells – and comprising a single type of immunoglobulin. It neutralises only one speci?c ANTIGEN. The antibodies are prepared by linking antibody-forming lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE) from the spleen of mice with myeloma cells from mice. Monoclonal antibodies are used in the development of new vaccines and in the study of human cells, hormones, and micro-organisms. Research is under way for their use in the treatment of some forms of cancer. (See IMMUNOLOGY.)... monoclonal antibodies
As used by immunologists, this term refers to IgE antibodies. As used by microbiologists, it refers to antibodies produced in syphilis – probably in response to the tissue damage caused by Treponema pallidum. Production of these antibodies in patients with syphilis has been utilised in the development of the non-treponemal serological tests for syphilis such as the VDRL Test, the RPR Test and the now superceded Wasserman Complement Fixation Test. These tests are useful in that they are only positive in active syphilis but they have many biological false positive reactions, including pregnancy.... reaginic antibody
(APS, Hughes syndrome) an autoimmune disease in which the presence of antibodies against phospholipid (see anticardiolipin antibodies; lupus anticoagulant) is associated with a tendency to arterial or venous thrombosis and, in women of childbearing age, to recurrent miscarriage. APS may be primary or occur in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other connective-tissue diseases. Treatment is by low-dose aspirin or heparin.... antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
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