Making Monoclonal Antibodies Flashcards

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What is a monoclonal antibody?

An antibody that is all one type, made by one clone of cells.

Why are these antibodies called "monoclonal"?

Because they come from one clone of cells and bind to one antigen.

Which cells in a mouse make antibodies after it is injected with an antigen?

B-lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, make antibodies after the injection.

What is the antigen used for at the start of making monoclonal antibodies?

It is injected into the mouse to start an immune response and make matching lymphocytes.

Why are mouse lymphocytes fused with tumour (myeloma) cells?

So the new cells both make the right antibody and can divide many times.

What is a hybridoma cell?

A cell made by joining a lymphocyte and a tumour cell together.

Why are hybridoma cells useful for making monoclonal antibodies?

They live for a long time, divide fast, and all make the same antibody.

Outline the main steps in making monoclonal antibodies.

Inject a mouse with an antigen, then collect its antibody-making cells and fuse them with tumour cells. Select hybridomas that make the right antibody, grow them, and collect the antibodies.

How are monoclonal antibodies collected from hybridoma cells?

The hybridoma cells grow in a dish and release antibodies into the liquid. The liquid is then collected and the antibodies are purified.

Why is it useful that monoclonal antibodies all bind to the same antigen?

It means they only attach to one target, so they are very specific.