Final answer:
Monoclonal antibodies are produced by fusing mouse spleen B cells with myeloma cells to create hybridomas that continuously produce specific antibodies. These are used in research and medical treatments, often requiring humanization to be compatible with human immune systems, while polyclonal antibodies are sourced from serum and consist of a range of antibodies from multiple B cell clones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The production of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) involves immunizing a mouse with an antigen to elicit an immune response. B cells from the mouse's spleen, which produce antibodies, are then fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas. These hybridomas are cultured in vitro and continuously produce the desired MAbs, which are eventually harvested from the culture medium. Monoclonal antibodies have high specificity as they are derived from a single B cell clone, making them useful in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
In clinical settings, it is essential to create humanized monoclonal antibodies for human use since mouse antibodies can elicit an immune response in humans. This involves genetic engineering to combine mouse variable regions with human constant regions, reducing their immunogenicity in humans. Thus, humanized MAbs are predominantly human in structure with mouse-origin antigen-binding sites.
To further refine the antibody response, animals may receive a second injection of the antigen, promoting affinity maturation. This enhances the strength of the antibody-antigen interaction over time. Adjuvants may be used to increase the immune response, resulting in higher antibody yields. Polyclonal antibodies, on the other hand, are obtained from serum and involve multiple B cell clones responding to various epitopes on the antigen, producing a wider variety of antibodies.