Are monoclonal antibodies considered to be immunoglobins_Antibody Technology Column_Technical FAQs_Information Center

Immunoglobulin molecules (antibodies) are multifunctional components of the immune system. Antibodies facilitate numerous cellular and humoral reactions to a variety of antigens, including those of the host (self) and foreign substances.

Most antibodies produced as part of the normal immune response are polyclonal, meaning that they are produced by a number of distinct B lymphocytes, and, as a result, they each have a slightly different specificity for the target antigen (eg, by binding different epitopes or binding the same epitope with different affinities). However, it is possible to produce large quantities of an antibody from a single B-cell clone.

Since 1985, approximately 100 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been designated as drugs; the rate of approvals is rapidly increasing. Available mAbs are directed against a large number of antigens and used for the treatment of immunologic diseases, reversal of drug effects, and cancer therapy. The World Health Organization (WHO), which is responsible for therapeutic mAb nomenclature, reported in 2017 that over 500 mAb names have been provided. (See 'Naming convention for therapeutic mAbs' below.)

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Are monoclonal antibodies considered to be immunoglobins

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