Question

What is the order for monoclonal antibody production?

Growth of hybridoma cells
Plasma cells isolated from mouse spleen
Growth of plasma cells
Immunisation of mouse spleen
Growth of myeloma cells
Fusion of plasma cells and myeloma cells

Answer 1

1. Immunization of mouse spleen.

Mouse is first immunized with an antigen. Their spleen (stores WBCs) is screened for production of antibody.

2. Growth of plasma cells.

The plasma cells secrete antibodies in response to the injected antigen. These cells are allowed to grow.

3. Plasma cells isolated from mouse spleen.

Plasma cells which has now produced antibodies against the antigens should be isolated from mouse spleen.

4. Growth of myeloma cells.

Myeloma cells are plasma cells that are abnormal to form tumors are grown because normal plasma cells make antibodies to fight antigens causing diseases so if the multiple myeloma cells are increased it results in more antibody production. These myeloma cells once they are fused with plasma cells they can produce hybridomas which are capable of unlimited growth.

5. Fusion of plasma cells and myeloma cells.

Myeloma cells and the isolated (spleen) plasma cells are fused to form hybridomas. This is done in the presence of polyethylene glycol because it causes cell membranes to fuse.

6. Growth of hybridoma cells.

These hybridoma cells are allowed to grow which results in production of monoclonal antibodies.