Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific, homogeneous antibodies derived from a single clone of B cells. These antibodies are engineered to target a specific antigen, providing precision in various therapeutic and diagnostic applications. AffiNEURO monoclonal antibodies are designed to target and modulate specific neurobiological pathways, playing a crucial role in neuroscience research and clinical applications.
Production and Characterization
The production of monoclonal antibodies involves the fusion of myeloma cells with spleen cells from a mouse immunized with the target antigen. This results in hybridoma cells capable of producing large quantities of identical antibodies. These hybridomas are screened and selected based on their specificity and affinity for the target antigen.
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies involves several techniques:
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Used to measure the antibody's affinity and specificity.
- Western Blot: Determines the antibody's ability to recognize the antigen in a denatured form.
- Flow Cytometry: Assesses the antibody's binding to antigens on the surface of live cells.
- Immunohistochemistry: Evaluates the antibody's ability to bind to antigens in tissue sections.
Applications in Neuroscience
Monoclonal antibodies in AffiNEURO are pivotal in neuroscience for both research and therapeutic purposes. Some key applications include:
- Neurodegenerative Diseases:
- Alzheimer's Disease: Targeting amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau protein tangles to potentially slow disease progression.
- Parkinson's Disease: Monoclonal antibodies targeting alpha-synuclein to reduce aggregation and toxicity.
- Neuroinflammation:
- mAbs against pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α to modulate neuroinflammatory responses.
- Neuro-oncology:
- Targeting specific antigens on glioblastoma cells to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
- Synaptic Function and Plasticity:
- mAbs targeting synaptic proteins to study synaptic transmission and plasticity mechanisms.
- Neuropathic Pain:
- Targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) or other pain-related pathways to develop new analgesics.
Advantages of Monoclonal Antibodies
- Specificity: High specificity to the target antigen minimizes off-target effects.
- Reproducibility: Consistent performance across different batches due to their homogeneous nature.
- Versatility: Can be engineered for various modifications, such as humanization to reduce immunogenicity in clinical applications.
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