Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and recombinant proteins are important classes of immunotherapeutic agents that have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases. Here is an overview of these two technologies:
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs):
mAbs are laboratory-produced molecules that are designed to mimic the immune system’s ability to recognize and neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. These antibodies are made by cloning a single type of immune cell (B cell) to produce identical copies of a single antibody molecule. mAbs can be engineered to target specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, allowing them to selectively kill these cells while sparing normal cells.
mAbs are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. For example, the monoclonal antibody rituximab is used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.
Recombinant proteins:
Recombinant proteins are proteins that are produced in the laboratory by genetically engineering cells to produce specific proteins. These proteins can be used as drugs to treat a variety of diseases. One example is insulin, which is produced using recombinant DNA technology and is used to treat diabetes.
Other examples of recombinant proteins used in medicine include erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, and growth hormone, which is used to treat growth disorders. Recombinant proteins can also be used as vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, which is made from a recombinant protein.
Overall, monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins have revolutionized the field of immunotherapy and continue to be important tools for the treatment of many diseases.