Monoclonal vs. Polyclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) differ fundamentally in their origin, specificity, and applications. mAbs stem from a single cell clone and exhibit remarkable specificity by binding to a lone epitope on the target antigen with consistent structural uniformity. In contrast, pAbs arise from multiple clones of B cells and provide a more extensive epitope recognition range, resulting in structural diversity.

The production of mAbs is often more time-consuming and costly, making them suitable for precision-focused applications like diagnostics and targeted therapeutics. On the other hand, pAbs are produced more quickly and are cost-effective, finding versatility in various research applications. Deciding to choose a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody depends on the specific requirements of the experiment or application, considering factors such as targeting precision, cost, and the desired breadth of epitope recognition.

See all primary monoclonal antibodies    See all primary polyclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are created by introducing an antigen to a host animal to prompt a humoral immune response. After this response, the associated B cells can be screened and selected down to the most specific antibody. These cells from the host are merged with cultured malignant myeloma cells in vitro, yielding hybridomas. These hybridomas are endowed with immortality due to myeloma characteristics, and can be cultivated easily. Some hybridoma clones, maintaining B cell properties, persistently produce genetically homogeneous antibodies against a single epitope—termed monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies closely resemble natural immunoglobulins from the immunized animal, but differ from serum-derived polyclonal antibodies as they are specific to a single epitope, ensuring a stable, long-term supply.

Considering the host species for monoclonal antibodies is crucial for many reasons like immunogenicity, cross-reactivity, ease of humanization, evolutionary distinctiveness, etc.

Polyclonal antibodies are typically produced by the inoculation of a suitable mammal such as a mouse, rabbit, or goat. Larger mammals are often preferred as the amount of serum collected is greater. An antigen is injected into the mammal, typically over several weeks, inducing the B-lymphocytes to produce immunoglobulins (IgG) specific for the antigen. Polyclonal IgG is purified from the mammal’s serum.

Considering the host species for polyclonal antibodies is crucial for many reasons like immunogenicity, cross-reactivity, ease of humanization, evolutionary distinctiveness, etc.