Monoclonalmolekyylejä

Monoclonalmolekyylejä, often referred to as monoclonal antibodies, are a type of protein produced in a laboratory setting. They are designed to recognize and bind to a specific target molecule, known as an antigen. This specificity is a key characteristic, as each monoclonal antibody is engineered to interact with only one particular part of an antigen.

The production of monoclonal antibodies involves a process that begins with introducing an antigen into an animal, typically a mouse. The animal's immune system then produces antibodies against this antigen. Specialized cells, known as hybridoma cells, are created by fusing antibody-producing cells from the animal with cancerous myeloma cells. This fusion allows the hybridoma cells to both produce antibodies and to multiply indefinitely.

These laboratory-produced antibodies have found widespread application in various fields, most notably in medicine. They are used in diagnostic tests to detect the presence of specific substances, such as hormones or disease markers. In therapeutic applications, monoclonal antibodies are employed to target and neutralize harmful cells or molecules in the body. For example, they are used in treatments for certain types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Their targeted action can help to minimize damage to healthy tissues, making them a valuable tool in modern healthcare.