Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies that are derived from only one cell and recognize only one type of antigen are called monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies are produced usually from hybridoma clones. A hybridoma clone is derived by the fusion of a myeloma cell and a lymphocyte which

produces antibody.

The hybridoma clone producing the desired antibody is identified and isolated. The selected hybridoma cells are mass cultured for the production of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), either in vivo, in the peritoneal cavity of mice or in vitro, in large scale culture.

Many more recombinant molecules can be produced using animal cultures and includes, factor VIII, factor IX, protein C, immunoglobulins, various hormones such as erythropoietin, relaxin, kallikrein, human growth hormones, etc.