What is a key feature of monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies are characterized by their production from a single clone of immune cells, which ensures that they are identical in structure and specificity. This homogeneity allows monoclonal antibodies to bind to a specific target, such as a particular antigen, with high precision. The creation process typically involves the fusion of a specific immune cell, often a B-cell, with a myeloma cell to form a hybridoma. This hybridoma can then replicate indefinitely, producing an abundant supply of identical antibodies that target the same epitope.

The unique nature of monoclonal antibodies makes them invaluable in various applications, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and research, where consistent and specific targeting of antigens is crucial. This feature sets them apart from polyclonal antibodies, which are produced by multiple immune cells and therefore can recognize different epitopes on the same antigen, leading to a mixture of antibody types.