An Investigation in Monoclonal Antibodies
An Investigation in Monoclonal Antibodies
Meena Henen
Introduction
One of the major medical concerns of the century has been finding a cure for cancer. Scientists have made progress in solving the cancer puzzle with the innovation of procedures such as chemotherapy and various scanning methods, but no one has yet found a definite solution. Possibly the newest discovery in the cancer field has been monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Nicknamed “magic bullets,” mAbs have been proposed to be analogous to microscopic missiles that seek out concentrations of cancerous matter and attack. MAbs aren’t nearly this simple, but when working correctly they are very effective and are advantageous over normal antibodies or less specific polyclonals. These engineered antibodies have created a whole new area of research for scientists trying to find a cure for cancer, as well as for those who have found other applications for mAbs.
Structure and Function of Antibodies Natural antibodies or immunoglobulins (Ig) are crucial protein molecules of the immune system that participate in fighting off invading microbes, viruses and toxins. Each antibody is made up of four chains that are linked by disulfide bonds. They are y-shaped peptide molecules with two split arms at one end of a molecule making up the FAb region, and one constant tail region, called the Fc region, making up the other end. The two arms provide the sites at which an antibody binds itself to an antigen or cancerous agent. Interactions with the cells of the immune system that engulf and eliminate invading microbes and viruses are done through the constant Fc region. Many antibodies coat an antigen at a given time, interacting through chemical signals and increasing the chances for an antigen’s destruction.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies
Georges J.F. Kohler and César Milstein won the Nobel Prize in 1984 for their experimental techniques that led to the innovation of
Meena Henen
Introduction
One of the major medical concerns of the century has been finding a cure for cancer. Scientists have made progress in solving the cancer puzzle with the innovation of procedures such as chemotherapy and various scanning methods, but no one has yet found a definite solution. Possibly the newest discovery in the cancer field has been monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Nicknamed “magic bullets,” mAbs have been proposed to be analogous to microscopic missiles that seek out concentrations of cancerous matter and attack. MAbs aren’t nearly this simple, but when working correctly they are very effective and are advantageous over normal antibodies or less specific polyclonals. These engineered antibodies have created a whole new area of research for scientists trying to find a cure for cancer, as well as for those who have found other applications for mAbs.
Structure and Function of Antibodies Natural antibodies or immunoglobulins (Ig) are crucial protein molecules of the immune system that participate in fighting off invading microbes, viruses and toxins. Each antibody is made up of four chains that are linked by disulfide bonds. They are y-shaped peptide molecules with two split arms at one end of a molecule making up the FAb region, and one constant tail region, called the Fc region, making up the other end. The two arms provide the sites at which an antibody binds itself to an antigen or cancerous agent. Interactions with the cells of the immune system that engulf and eliminate invading microbes and viruses are done through the constant Fc region. Many antibodies coat an antigen at a given time, interacting through chemical signals and increasing the chances for an antigen’s destruction.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies
Georges J.F. Kohler and César Milstein won the Nobel Prize in 1984 for their experimental techniques that led to the innovation of
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