How is hybridoma technology used in the production of monoclonal antibodies?
Hybridoma technology involves fusing a specific antibody-producing B-cell with a myeloma (cancer) cell to create a hybrid cell line, or hybridoma. These hybridomas can be cultured to produce large quantities of identical (monoclonal) antibodies, which are then harvested for use in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research applications.
What are the advantages of using hybridoma technology over other methods for antibody production?
Hybridoma technology offers advantages such as the production of highly specific and monoclonal antibodies, continuous antibody supply due to the immortality of hybrid cells, and the ability to tailor antibodies for specificity and affinity, ensuring consistent and reproducible results over other methods like polyclonal antibody production.
What are the steps involved in the hybridoma technology process?
The hybridoma technology process involves four main steps: 1) Immunization of a host animal to produce antigen-specific B cells; 2) Fusion of these B cells with myeloma cells to form hybridomas; 3) Selection and screening of hybridomas for antibody production; 4) Cloning and cultivation of selected hybridomas to produce monoclonal antibodies.
What are the limitations and challenges of hybridoma technology?
Hybridoma technology faces limitations such as the production of low-affinity antibodies, potential contamination with mycoplasma, limited scalability, and ethical concerns regarding animal use. Additionally, the process is time-consuming, costly, and may result in antibodies with unwanted cross-reactivity.
How does hybridoma technology contribute to medical research and diagnostics?
Hybridoma technology contributes to medical research and diagnostics by enabling the production of monoclonal antibodies, which are highly specific and uniform. These antibodies are used in disease diagnosis, treatment, and research, facilitating the detection of biomarkers, enabling targeted therapies, and enhancing the understanding of immune responses.