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Monoclonal Antibodies
Most antigens
offer multiple epitopes and therefore induce
proliferation and differentiation of a variety
of B-cell clones, each derived from a B cell
that recognizes a particular epitope. The
resulting serum antibodies are heterogeneous,
comprising a mixture of antibodies, each
specific for one epitope. Such a polyclonal
antibody response facilitates the localization,
phagocytosis, and complement-mediated lysis of
antigen; it thus has clear advantages for the
organism in vivo.
Unfortunately, the antibody
heterogeneity that increases immune protection
in vivo often reduces the efficacy of an
antiserum for various in vitro uses. For most
research, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes,
monoclonal antibodies, derived from a single
clone and thus specific for a single epitope,
are preferable.
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