11.1 Monoclonal Antibody Production & Applications

Summary

This video covers key concepts in immunology, including blood types, antibody production, and monoclonal antibodies. It explains the significance of blood group antigens and antibodies for transfusions and explores how monoclonal antibodies are produced through hybridoma technology, with applications in vaccines and pregnancy tests. The video also delves into the immune system, highlighting the roles of lymphocytes, including B cells and T cells, in immune responses. The functions of antibodies, summarized by the acronym PANIC, are also discussed in relation to pathogen neutralization, agglutination, and inflammation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blood type A produces antibody B and displays antigen A. Receiving type B blood can cause a harmful immune response in type A individuals.
• 😀 Blood type B produces antibody A and displays antigen B. Individuals with type B blood can accept type O and B blood.
• 😀 Blood type AB does not produce any antibodies and can accept blood from all groups (universal recipient), displaying both antigen A and B.
• 😀 Blood type O produces antibodies A and B but does not display any antigens. O type is the universal donor because it can give blood to any group.
• 😀 Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced antibodies that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens.
• 😀 The production of monoclonal antibodies involves injecting an antigen into a mouse, fusing its spleen's antibody-producing cells with cancer cells to create hybridomas.
• 😀 Hybridomas, produced by fusing tumor cells and antibody-forming cells, can be cloned to produce large amounts of a single antibody.
• 😀 Monoclonal antibodies are used in applications like rabies vaccination, where they provide immunity to people exposed to the virus.
• 😀 Pregnancy tests utilize monoclonal antibodies to detect the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced during pregnancy.
• 😀 The lymphatic system plays a vital role in immunity and includes B cells, T cells, and other immune structures such as the spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes.

Q & A

What is the importance of knowing blood types before a transfusion?

Knowing blood types is crucial because mismatched blood transfusions can cause harmful immune reactions. For example, if an individual with blood type A receives type B blood, the antibodies in the recipient's blood will attack the B antigen on the donor's red blood cells, leading to potentially severe complications.

Why is type O blood considered the universal donor?

Type O blood is considered the universal donor because it does not have A or B antigens on the red blood cells. Therefore, it can be safely donated to individuals of any blood type without causing an immune response.

What makes type AB blood the universal recipient?

Type AB blood is the universal recipient because it does not produce antibodies against either A or B antigens. This allows individuals with type AB blood to receive blood from any of the other blood types (A, B, AB, or O) without rejecting it.

What is the process of creating monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies are created by injecting an antigen into a mouse to stimulate an immune response. The mouse's spleen cells, which produce antibodies, are then fused with tumor cells (myeloma cells), creating hybridomas. These hybridomas can be cloned to produce large amounts of a single, desired antibody.

Why are tumor cells (myeloma cells) used in monoclonal antibody production?

Tumor cells, specifically myeloma cells, are used because they are immortal and can proliferate indefinitely. When fused with antibody-producing cells, they allow for the continuous production of monoclonal antibodies, ensuring an unlimited supply.

What are some of the limitations of monoclonal antibody production?

Monoclonal antibody production is expensive, time-consuming, and resource-intensive. The process requires large volumes of culture media and can take several weeks to complete, making it challenging and costly for large-scale applications.

How are monoclonal antibodies used in rabies vaccination?

Monoclonal antibodies are used in rabies vaccinations by providing pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis. The antibodies can neutralize the rabies virus, providing protection to individuals at risk of exposure, such as those working with animals.

How does a pregnancy test work using monoclonal antibodies?

Pregnancy tests use monoclonal antibodies that bind to the hormone hCG, which is produced during pregnancy. When a person urinates on the test, the hCG in the urine binds to the antibodies on the test strip. This triggers a color change in the test line, indicating a positive result if hCG is present.

What role do helper T cells play in the immune system?

Helper T cells, also known as CD4+ cells, activate other immune cells, such as plasma B cells, to produce antibodies. They also assist in coordinating the immune response by detecting antigen-presenting cells like macrophages.

What is the function of killer T cells in immunity?

Killer T cells, or cytotoxic T cells, identify and destroy infected cells by releasing perforins that puncture the cell membrane and cytotoxins that trigger cell death. This helps eliminate pathogens directly from the body.