Monoclonal antibodies, or mAbs, are a powerful tool in modern medicine. They are a type of antibody that is created in a laboratory from a single type of immune cell. This makes them highly specific and targeted, able to seek out and bind to a specific protein or antigen on a disease-causing cell. This specificity, combined with their ability to be produced in large quantities, has led to the development of numerous mAb-based therapies. These therapies are revolutionizing the treatment of a wide range of diseases, from cancer to autoimmune disorders. In this article, we will explore the science behind mAbs, their discovery, and development, and their impact on modern medicine. Antibodies: The Body's Natural Defense To understand mAbs, we first need to understand the role of antibodies in the body. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign invaders, such as viruses or bacteria. When an antigen - a foreign substance - enters the body, it...
A captivating junction where scientific curiosity meets explanation