Antibodies!!!

1      Explain antibody production 

1.       Plasma cells synthesize (make) antibodies that have a complementary structure to its antigens’ epitope (part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system-antibodies)

2.       Antibody binds to the antigen and then binds them to the other antigens- called agglutination

3.       This concentrates the antigen and makes it easier to engulf (Eat) by phagocytic (a type of cell capable of engulfing things) lymphocytes.

-          Binding of antibody may inactivate the antigen directly

-          The immune system has memory of the antigen in the Bm cell 

          Describe the production of monoclonal antibodies and their use in diagnosis and treatment

1. A specific B cell is selected that can produce the required antibody

2. A tumor cell (capable of endless cell division) is selected

3. The two cells are joined together (HYBRIDIZED)

4. The resulting HYBRIDOMA is capable of synthesizing large quantities of antibodies

Diagnosis of HIV infections using monoclonal antibodies

The test of HIV infection is based on detecting the presence of HIV antibodies in lblood serum

Test results in a qualitative color change

1. The HIV antigen is attached to a plate

2. The patient’s serum is passed over the plate were any HIV antibodies present will attach to the antigen on the plate

3. A second antibody (specific to the HIV antibody) is passed over the plate, a will attach to the concentrated HIV antibody. This second antibody ha an enzyme attached to it.

4. Chromagen dye is passed over the complex of concentrated HIV antibody

5. The enzyme will turn the chromagen to a more intense color, the more the color, the greater the HIV antibody level.

Treatment of Rabies using Monoclonal Antibodies

-  Rabies infection can be treated by injection of antibodies

-  The antibodies are made by monoclonal antibody technology

-   Other: cancer treatment, transplant tissue typing, purification of industrial products