An artificially produced antibody that neutralizes only one specific antigen (foreign protein). Monoclonal antibodies are produced in a laboratory by stimulating the growth of a large number of antibody-producing cells that are genetically identical. In effect, this process enables antibodies to be tailor-made so that they will react with a particular antigen. Monoclonal antibodies are used in the study of human cells, hormones, microorganisms, and in the development of vaccines. They are also being used in the diagnosis and treatment of some forms of cancer.
Antibody, monoclonal |
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