What is a monoclonal antibody?

A monoclonal antibody refers to a laboratory-produced molecule designed to specifically target and bind to a particular antigen. These antibodies are derived from a single clone of B-cells, which means they are identical and can be produced in large quantities. This specificity makes them highly effective in diagnosing and treating various diseases, including cancers and autoimmune disorders. By targeting a specific antigen, monoclonal antibodies can block or enhance immune responses, deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, or mark cells for destruction by the immune system.

In contrast, vaccines stimulate the immune system to create a broader response against pathogens rather than targeting a single antigen. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are used to fight bacterial infections and do not have the specificity characteristic of monoclonal antibodies. Natural proteins in the immune system, while they are crucial in immune responses, do not possess the same targeted capabilities that monoclonal antibodies do.