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

She said the utility of vaccines, monoclonal antibody treatments and some coronavirus tests “could be undermined” if there is a big enough change caused by a new coronavirus strain.

From Washington Post

Mutations could limit the efficacy of vaccines or therapeutic drugs such as monoclonal antibodies.

From Washington Post

While I feel ok, on my doctor's advice I'm on my way to a local hospital for monoclonal antibody treatment.

From Vox

The rise of variants also could limit the efficacy of monoclonal antibody treatments because such therapeutics are very narrowly focused and potentially could be eluded by a single mutation.

From Washington Post

The hospital also has begun to offer infusions of remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies, therapies for covid-19, to outpatients.

From Washington Post