monoclonal antibody

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

monoclonal antibody

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of monoclonal antibody¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

In large clinical trials, monoclonal antibodies relieved osteoarthritis pain better than placebo or other drugs, but because some patients experienced worsening joint damage, the treatments were not approved.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

That study will also have to assess cost-effectiveness since monoclonal antibodies, like this therapy, are expensive drugs.

From BBC

You cannot have monoclonal antibodies at aspirin prices.

From BBC