monoclonal antibody

American  

noun

Biotechnology.

1. antibody produced by a laboratory-grown cell clone, either of a hybridoma or a virus-transformed lymphocyte, that is more abundant and uniform than natural antibody and is able to bind specifically to a single site on almost any chosen antigen or reveal previously unknown antigen sites: used as an analytic tool in scientific research and medical diagnosis and potentially important in the treatment of certain diseases. MAb

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monoclonal antibody British  

/ ˌmɒnəʊˈkləʊnəl /

noun

1. an antibody, produced by a single clone of cells grown in culture, that is both pure and specific and is capable of proliferating indefinitely to produce unlimited quantities of identical antibodies: used in diagnosis, therapy, and biotechnology

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Etymology

Origin of monoclonal antibody

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

monoclonal antibody

The sick doctor received a monoclonal antibody treatment secured by HHS during transport and intensive care on arrival.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026

The other drug being considered for a trial is a monoclonal antibody called MBP134, developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical, which targets Ebola viruses including Bundibugyo.

From Barron's ● May 19, 2026

To prevent severe RSV in infants, officials recommend either maternal vaccination or immunizing the infant with a monoclonal antibody.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2025

Benralizamab is a monoclonal antibody which targets specific white blood cells, called eosinophils, to reduce lung inflammation.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2024

The drug, Pemgarda, is a monoclonal antibody infusion that can be taken as a preventive measure, before people contract the virus.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 6, 2024