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Antibodies are produced by the body's immune system when an infection occurs. Under normal circumstances, the antibodies that are produced recognize a broad range of targets, for example, different parts of a virus or bacteria. Each specific antibody is known as a clone, and the normal response to an infection is a polyclonal response, because many different specificities are represented.
Polyclonal antibodies purified from animals are commonly used tool in biological research. However, the polyclonal nature of antibodies can be detrimental, as the exact specificity is unknown. In order to overcome these complications, scientists developed a method for generating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), i.e., antibodies of a single specificity. Ultimately, the development of the technology for producing monoclonal antibodies resulting in the presentation of the 1984 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Niels Jerne, Georges Kohler and Cesar Milstein.
Immediately following the development of monoclonal antibodies, these reagents were primarily utilized as research tools. Subsequently, mAbs have been developed into important diagnostic tests including pregnancy tests, HIV screening tests, and cancer diagnostics.
More recently, monoclonal antibodies have been developed for the treatment of a number of different diseases. Thus far, this type of biological therapy has been FDA-approved for the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune diseases as well as the prevention of rejection of transplanted organs.
Monoclonal antibody treatment of cancer is effective because the antibody can be used to block pathways that drive the growth of the cancer cells or inhibit the ability of the tumor to drive the development of new blood vessels that are required to supply the growing tumor with nutrients. In the case of autoimmune disease, including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid Arthritis, monoclonal antibody therapies can block the cells that cause damage from entering the tissues they target or they can block the ability of the cells to function. Similarly, monoclonal antibodies can be used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, a response that is driven by activation of the immune system.
Monoclonal antibodies are an exciting new avenue of intervention for diseases that have traditionally been very difficult to treat. Research regarding this approach is ongoing, and new drugs are being approved frequently. For example, the FDA has approved two new monoclonal antibody drugs in the first quarter of 2011 alone, illustrating the rapid progress of this new tactic for treating chronic diseases.
What else can I help you with?
What are some contagious diseases?
Cancer Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatiod Arthritis, hayfever, Asthma and lupus
Where can one find a list of autoimmune disorders?
Autoimmune diseases are ranked number one cause of heart disease, cancer and all diseases. One can find the list of autoimmune diseases in online website "Cidpusa" and "Aarda".
What diseases result in enlarged lymph nodes?
Lymphadenopathy is any disease process involving enlargement of the lymph nodes. This can occur due to infection, autoimmune disease or malignancy.
What is cachexia?
Cachexia is a debilitating disease usually associated with cancer, certain infectious diseases, and other autoimmune disorders. It is also called the wasting syndrome.
What are the other non communicable diseases?
Cancer, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, osteoporosis, autoimmune, trauma, fractures, mental disorders, malnutrition, poisoning, and hormonal conditions.
What are the possible causes of premature menopause?
Causes of premature menopause include autoimmune disorders (thyroid disease or diabetes mellitus), cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation), surgery to remove ovaries.
What are some diseases resulting from abnormal cell function?
Some diseases resulting from abnormal cell function include cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. In these conditions, cells either grow uncontrollably, fail to self-destruct when they should, or attack healthy tissues in the body.
What are omega-6 fatty acids used for?
EFAs protect against such conditions as heart disease; cancer; autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis; skin diseases, including acne, atopic eczema, and psoriasis
Is there an autoimmune cancer?
No. In an autoimmune disease, the body attacks his own cells which become for unkonwn reason recognized as a foreign body (antigen). While in cancer, certain body cells divide without control. So autoimmune and cancer indicate unrelated terms.
What are biological cancer treatments?
Biological cancer treatments, also known as metabolic treatments, work by detoxifying and strengthening the body so that it can overcome cancer cells and metabolize them.
Is myeloma an autoimmune disease?
No, it is a form of blood cancer.
What are non infectious diseases?
Non-infectious diseases are conditions that are not caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Instead, they typically result from genetic, environmental, lifestyle, or other factors, including conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. These diseases are not spread from person to person like infectious diseases.
