polyklonale

Polyklonale antibodies, also called polyclonal antibodies, are a pool of immunoglobulins produced by many different B cell clones in an immunized vertebrate. Unlike monoclonal antibodies, which derive from a single B cell lineage and recognize a single epitope, polyklonale antibodies recognize multiple epitopes on the same antigen, as well as related antigens.

Production and sources: They are typically generated by immunizing animals such as rabbits, goats, or horses with an antigen and collecting serum. The resulting serum contains a mixture of antibodies with varying affinities and specificities. Purification can yield polyclonal IgG fractions or hyperimmune globulins with enriched titers.

Applications and uses: In research and diagnostics, polyklonale antibodies are used in ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. Therapeutically, polyclonal antibodies are used as antisera or hyperimmune globulins (e.g., antivenoms, certain immune globulins) and can provide broader antigen recognition.

Advantages and limitations: They are quicker and cheaper to produce and can tolerate antigen variation, providing robust signals. However, they exhibit batch-to-batch variability and greater cross-reactivity, potentially reducing specificity. They may bind to related proteins and produce higher background in assays. Monoclonal antibodies offer higher specificity and consistency but are more expensive and slower to produce.

Comparison with monoclonals and safety considerations: Polyclonal preparations are heterogeneous, which can be advantageous for detecting diverse epitopes but may complicate standardization. Modern production emphasizes purification, validation, and regulatory controls to ensure safety and reliability in both research and clinical contexts.