Monoclonal antibodies: Pharmacological relevance

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), a new class of biological agents, are used these days in therapeutics and diagnosis. MAbs also labeled as 'magic bullets', are highly specific antibodies produced by a clone of single hybrid cells formed in the laboratory by fusion of B cell with the tumor cell. The hybridoma formed yields higher amount of MAbs. MAbs can be produced in vitro and in vivo. Animals are utilized to produce MAbs, but these antibodies are associated with immunogenic and ethical problems. Of late, recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering,phage display and transgenic animals are used to produce humanized MAbs or pure human MAbs, which have fewer adverse effects. MAbs alone or conjugated with drugs, toxins, or radioactive atoms are used for treatment of cancer, autoimmune disorders, graft rejections, infectious diseases, asthma, and various cardiovascular disorders. New MAbs are being developed which are more specific and less toxic.