Monoclonal Antibody Production
Techniques for cultivating high-specificity antibodies from cell lines
How are monoclonal antibodies produced?
The traditional monoclonal antibody (mAb) production process usually starts with generation of mAb-producing cells (i.e. hybridomas) by fusing myeloma cells with desired antibody-producing splenocytes (e.g. B cells). These B cells are typically sourced from animals, usually mice. After cell fusion, large numbers of clones are screened and selected on the basis of antigen specificity and immunoglobulin class. Once candidate hybridoma cell lines are identified, each "hit" is confirmed, validated, and characterized using a variety of downstream functional assays. Upon completion, the clones are scaled up where additional downstream bioprocesses occur.
A typical monoclonal antibody production process.
- Immunization of mice & isolation of splenocytes - Mice are immunized with an antigen and later their blood is screened for antibody production. The antibody-producing splenocytes are then isolated for in vitro hybridoma production.
- Preparation of myeloma cells - Myeloma cells are immortalized cells that, once fused with spleen cells, can result in hybridoma capable of unlimited growth. Myeloma cells are prepared for fusion.
- Fusion - Myeloma cells and isolated splenocytes are fused together to form hybridomas in the presence of polyehthylene glycol(PEG), which causes cell membranes to fuse.
- Clone screening and picking - clones are screened and selected on the basis of antigen specificity and immunoglobulin class.
- Functional characterization - Confirm, validate and characterize (e.g. ELISA) each potentially high-producing colony
- Scale up and wean - Scale up clones producing desired antibodies and wean off selection agent(s)
- Expansion - Expand clones producing desired antibodies (e.g. bioreactors or large flasks).
A typical monoclonal antibody production process.
Monoclonal vs polyclonal antibody production
Understanding monoclonal vs polyclonal antibody production reveals distinct methods in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceutical research for creating antibodies. Monoclonal antibody production involves a detailed process that begins with the creation of hybridomas, leading to the generation of specific antibodies. This method contrasts with polyclonal antibody production, where animals such as rabbits or goats are immunized to produce antibodies that are purified from the serum. Monoclonal techniques emphasize specificity and reproducibility through the selection and scaling of particular B-cell clones. In contrast, polyclonal methods offer rapid production and cost efficiency, albeit producing a variety of antibodies with different specificities. This introduction compares the development, benefits, and uses of these critical biotechnological tools in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Workflow solution for mAb production
Developing monoclonal antibodies represents a pivotal advancement in biomedical science, offering targeted treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. This process involves the creation of antibodies that are identical and derived from a single cell lineage, ensuring high specificity and efficacy in therapeutic applications.
mAb production utilizes cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to design antibodies that can precisely target and neutralize disease-causing agents. With its critical role in the development of targeted therapies, mAb production enhances the effectiveness of treatments, minimizing side effects compared to traditional approaches. Its importance in medical research and patient care continues to grow, reflecting its role in advancing health outcomes and personalized medicine.
Related mAb application and resources
Explore our resources to see how our advanced technologies simplify the monoclonal antibody development process. Learn about the benefits of streamlined workflows and accurate monoclonality assurance, and how they can revolutionize your research.
Workflow process for monoclonal antibody production
Explore the precision-driven process of producing monoclonal antibodies, from immunization to scalable clone expansion.