Monoclonal Antibody Production

Antibody Production

Antibody production is defined as the synthesis of antibodies from antibody producing cells. Antibodies are usually synthesized in order to bind to (also to purify or detect) a molecule (usually a protein) of interest.

Selecting an Antibody Production Method

The selection of an antibody production method will depend on what you will need to use the antibodies for. Monoclonal antibodies have an inherent specificity towards a single epitope, whereas polyclonals have specificities towards multiple epitopes on a antigen.

Common Uses of Antibodies and their Antibody Production Methods

ELISA assay - usually monoclonal antibodies are used. Primary antibodies are almost always monoclonal, whereas occasionally secondary antibodies can be polyclonal.

Immunohistochemistry - monoclonal antibody production (polyclonals also used as well)

Immunoprecipitation (IP) - usually for immunoprecipitation, polyclonal antibodies are produced.

Western Blot - for western blot, monoclonal antibodies are usually the antibody of choice. However, polyclonals are often used as well.

Therapeutics - for therapeutics, monoclonals are used.