Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized biomedicine since their development in the 1970s, becoming essential tools both in research and in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
What are monoclonal antibodies?
They are laboratory-produced proteins that specifically bind a single antigen. Unlike polyclonal antibodies, which recognize multiple epitopes of an antigen, mAbs are homogeneous and target a single specific site, giving them high specificity and consistency in their applications.
Development of monoclonal antibodies
The production of mAbs involves the creation of hybrid cells, known as hybridomas, which result from the fusion of B lymphocytes with myeloma cells. This process allows the generation of cell lines capable of producing large quantities of a specific antibody. Specialized companies, such as Immunostep, offer specialized services in the development of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, adapting to the specific research and diagnostic needs of their clients.
Research applications
In the field of biomedical research, mAbs are fundamental tools for:
-Identification and quantification of molecules: Using techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, mAbs enable the detection and measurement of the presence of specific proteins in biological samples.
-Protein purification: Used in affinity chromatography, mAbs facilitate the purification of target proteins from complex mixtures.
-Signaling pathway studies: By blocking or activating specific molecules, mAbs help to unravel cell signaling mechanisms.
Diagnostic applications
mAbs have significantly improved the accuracy and speed of medical diagnostics:
-Laboratory tests: they are used in diagnostic tests to detect hormones, enzymes and tumor markers, among others. For example, they are key components in pregnancy tests and in the identification of infections.
-Diagnostic imaging: Conjugated with radioactive agents, mAbs can locate tumors or infections in the body using imaging techniques, enabling early and accurate detection.
Therapeutic applications
In addition to their roles in research and diagnostics, mAbs have opened new frontiers in the treatment of diseases:
-Cancer therapy: some mAbs are designed to bind to specific antigens on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system or blocking signals that promote their growth.
-Autoimmune diseases: mAbs can neutralize proinflammatory molecules, modulating the immune response in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
-Infectious diseases: During the COVID-19 pandemic, mAbs directed against SARS-CoV-2 were developed to neutralize the virus and treat infected patients.
Recent advances
Research on mAbs continues to advance. For example, recent studies have shown that neutralization of the GDF-15 protein can enhance immunotherapy against solid tumors, opening new avenues for cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Monoclonal antibodies have transformed biomedicine, offering precise tools for the research, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Their development and application continue to expand, promising significant advances in human health.
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