monoclonální

Monoklonální refers to a process or substance originating from a single cell. In biology, monoclonal antibodies are a specific type of protein produced by a single clone of B cells. These antibodies are identical to each other and bind to the same specific antigen. This specificity makes them invaluable tools in research and medicine.

The production of monoclonal antibodies typically involves immunizing an animal, such as a mouse, with the target antigen. B cells from the spleen are then fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas. These hybridomas are immortalized cell lines that can produce large quantities of the desired antibody.

Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized diagnostics and therapeutics. They are used in pregnancy tests to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in various immunoassay kits for disease detection, and in laboratory research to identify and quantify specific molecules. Therapeutically, they are employed in treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious diseases. Their targeted nature allows for precise intervention with fewer off-target effects compared to traditional treatments. The development and application of monoclonal antibodies represent a significant advancement in biotechnology and medicine.