Edit page | Page history | Printable version

monoclonal antibody

(Science: immunology molecular biology) A substance, usually a protein, which can be synthsised in the laboratory in pure form by a single clone (population) of cells.

These antibodies can be made in large quantities and have a specific affinity for certain target molecules called antigens which can be found on the surface of cells and those that are malignant.

monoclonal antibodies are currently being investigated as a possible form of cancer treatment although their benefit has not be fully proven.