Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are two types of antibodies that differ in their origin and specificity. Monoclonal antibodies arise from a single clone of cells and are highly specific, arising through hybridoma technology. Polyclonal antibodies are produced by several different clones of plasma cells in response to an antigen, which usually has multiple epitopes, so polyclonal antibodies are heterogeneous and less specific. Both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies have important applications, with monoclonal antibodies being useful in research and diagnostic tests due to their specificity.

1. Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies

2. Antibody ?
• Antibodies are globular proteins or immunoglobulins
synthesized by plasma cells of B cells against the
antigen that stimulated its production.
• The region of antibody that interacts with antigen is
called the paratope.
• Antigen-antibody interaction is very specific.
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3. Monoclonal Antibodies
(MABs) Monoclonal Antibodies
(MABs)
MABs are antibodies that
arise from a single clone of
Hybridoma technology cells. They are
homogenous
E.g. in a plasma cell tumour
(myeloma).
Monoclonal antibodies are
highly useful in diagnostic
tests and in research.
Hybridoma Technology
developed by Kohler and
Milstein has been widely
used for the production of
MABs.
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4. Polyclonal Antibodies
Polyclonal Antibodies
Antibodies produced in an
animal in response to a
typical antigen are
heterogenous as they are
formed by several different
clones of plasma cells or
called as polyclonal.
Antigens are multivalent or
have many antigenic
determinants or epitopes.
These epitopes will induce
antibody production by
different plasma cells. That
is why antibodies produced
in response to an antigen
are called as poly clonal.
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5. For More Immunology Notes:
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6. For More Immunology Notes:
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