Monoclonal or Polyclonal Antibodies
Plasma cells are specialised B lymphocytes that secrete antibodies (glycoproteins) in response to infection by antigens (toxins or foreign substances). Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), usually have a high affinity to a specific antigen, binding only to one epitope/binding site on an antigen. Monoclonal (Mab) or polyclonal (pAb) antibodies are used in scientific research for a wide range of applications. This article will guide your choice for your research.
| Feature | Advantage |
| Specificity for one Epitope | Locating a specific antigen |
| Consistency and binding efficiency | Reproducible, predictable results. Good for assay, therapy production and all diagnostic applications |
| Purified from immortal cell lines | Long term source, stability, repeatability |
| Can be cleaved to reduce nonspecific Fc binding | Useful in flow-cytometry |
| Large quantities of identical antibodies can be produced | Reproducible, predictable results for diagnostic and manufacturing applications |
| Feature | Advantage |
| Recognise and bind to multiple epitopes | More robust for assaying epitopes with slight variations. Useful in Western Blot, IP and ChIP |
| Large quantities easily generated | Detection of target antigen is maximised but can create background signal |
| High antigen detection rate | Useful if consistency over long time periods is not important |
| Can amplify signal | Useful for low target epitope levels |
| Can capture target protein quickly | Useful as capture antibody in Sandwich ELISA and in IP or ChiP |
Choosing between Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies
Both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies have specific features, it is important to choose the right antibodies for your research.
- How will the antibodies be used in your research?
- What do you need to achieve?
What are Monoclonal antibodies (MAb)?
Monoclonals are an immortalised hybridoma cell line, a vital research tool since 1975. Monoclonals can detect a single protein or can be used as a probe to locate the protein in vivo. MAbs are created by fusing a single splenic B cell with a myeloma cell, the clones produced are purified from the cells or the lysates and are capable of binding to a single type of epitope. Generation of large enough quantities to purify requires skill and takes up to 12 months, therefore they are more expensive.
What are Polyclonal antibodies (PAb)?
Polyclonal antibodies are derived from different B cells. They can bind to more than one epitope on an antigen. PAbs are created in the serum of an immunised animal, usually goat, sheep, rabbit. The host animal generates multiple B cell clones against every epitope on the antigen. Polyclonal antibodies will have variability across batches, they are quicker and cheaper to produce. This is useful if you are not looking for a specific epitope or your epitopes may have become distorted. Polyclonal antibodies could potentially amplify your signal.
Advantages of Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies in Research
Your choice of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies will be dictated by the aims of your research.