Antibodies
We offer an extensive selection of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against infectious agents. Our antibodies are designed to target specific human viral proteins with high specificity, making them ideal for various immunoassays. Our MONOBODIES™ are versatile and can be used in applications such as ELISA, immunoblotting, and immunochemistry.
What Are Antibodies?
Antibodies, also known as Immunoglobulins (IgG), are proteins found in the serum. These serum proteins belong to a group called gamma globulins and are produced by the immune system in response to antigens. Antigens are harmful substances such as germs, pathogens, or other foreign entities that can disrupt normal bodily functions. Antibodies play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing these antigens.
Monoclonal Antibodies (MABs)
Monoclonal antibodies are monospecific antibodies produced by identical immune cells, clones of a unique parent cell. These antibodies are a natural part of the immune response to germs, vaccines, and other foreign bodies. MABs offer several advantages over polyclonal antibodies due to their homogeneity and binding specificity. Because they detect a single target epitope, MABs are less likely to cross-react with other proteins, providing high precision in research and diagnostics.
Polyclonal Antibodies
Polyclonal antibodies consist of a mixture of antibodies produced by different B cell lines within the body. These antibodies recognize and bind to multiple epitopes on a single antigen, offering a more robust response. Polyclonal antibodies are often used in applications where detecting a range of antigens is necessary.
Key Differences: Polyclonal Antibody vs. Monoclonal Antibody
- Specificity: Monoclonal antibodies target a single epitope, while polyclonal antibodies bind to multiple epitopes on an antigen.
- Production: Monoclonal antibodies are produced using hybridoma technology, whereas polyclonal antibodies are derived from immunized animals.
- Applications: Monoclonal antibodies are used in precise diagnostics and treatments, while polyclonal antibodies are favored for detecting a range of antigens in research.
Common Applications of Antibodies
Diagnostic Applications
Both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are extensively used in diagnostic tests such as ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry. Their ability to detect specific antigens makes them essential for accurate disease diagnosis.
Therapeutic Applications
Monoclonal antibodies are a cornerstone of modern therapeutics, used to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Their targeted action helps minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes.
Research Applications
In research, antibodies are crucial tools for studying protein functions, pathways, and interactions. They assist in detecting, quantifying, and isolating specific proteins from complex mixtures.
Showing 1–16 of 379 results
Frequently Asked Questions About Antibodies
What Are the Main Advantages of Polyclonal Antibodies?
Polyclonal antibodies offer greater sensitivity due to their ability to recognize multiple epitopes on a single antigen. This makes them highly effective in detecting low-abundance proteins and in applications where denatured proteins are involved.
How Are Monoclonal Antibodies Produced?
Monoclonal antibodies are produced using hybridoma technology. This involves fusing myeloma cells with spleen cells from an immunized mouse, creating hybrid cells that can be cloned to produce identical antibodies in large quantities.
What Are Some Common Applications of Polyclonal Antibodies?
Polyclonal antibodies are commonly used in Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. Their ability to bind multiple epitopes makes them ideal for detecting proteins in complex samples and under denaturing conditions.
Why Are Monoclonal Antibodies Preferred for Therapeutic Use?
Monoclonal antibodies are preferred for therapeutic use because of their high specificity and consistency. They can be engineered to target specific cells or pathways, reducing off-target effects and increasing treatment efficacy.
Explore Our Antibody Products
We provide a diverse range of high-quality monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to support your research and clinical needs. Our antibodies undergo rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Browse our product categories to find the antibodies that meet your specific requirements. For further assistance, contact our expert team for guidance and support.