Recombinant antibodies contain identical antibody chains that target the same epitope. They are suitable to identify cells and detect activation states, proliferation, cytokine release, and homing profiles. Here’s an example of two such antibodies: Flow Cytometry AntibodiesĪntibodies conjugated to a range of fluorophores are available to cater to specific flow cytometry workflow requirements. Primary antibodies are commercially custom-prepared based on the workflow they are suitable for or to achieve specific experimental targets. As a result, a specific antibody (mainly IgG) is produced against the antigen, which is purified from the animals’ serum. The polyclonal antibodies are produced by injecting an antigen into a mammal, such as a rabbit, mouse, or goat. Thus, they are heterogeneous and bind to more than one epitope of an antigen. These antibodies are produced from different lineages of B-cells of an animal. Polyclonal antibodies bind to multiple epitopes of a single antigen. Various monoclonal antibodies are available, named after their isolation from a particular host, such as rabbit monoclonal antibody, mouse monoclonal antibody, and rat monoclonal antibody. Hybridomas have B-cell properties, which enable them to synthesize and secrete genetically homogeneous antibodies targeted against a single epitope of an antigen (called monoclonal antibodies). Then, cells (mostly spleen cells) are isolated from these organisms and cultured with the malignant myeloma cells in lab conditions to form hybrid antibody-expressing cells, called hybridomas. An antigen is injected into a host animal to initiate an immune response. Monoclonal antibodies are derived from a single cell. One example of such antibodies are epitope-tag antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies recognize only a single antigen and bind to a specific epitope, reducing cross-reactivity. See Equipment List Request Estimate Types of Primary Antibodiesīased on the means of antibody production, the primary antibodies are categorized into two groups: Monoclonal antibodies and Polyclonal antibodies. Whereas, secondary antibodies carry fluorophore or radioactive labels and bind to the primary antibody.Īfter the primary antibody binds via its V region to the target protein, the labeled secondary antibody binds to the C region of the primary antibody using its V region. Primary antibodies bind specific antigens, such as peptides, proteins, or other small molecules.

In some assays, such as western blotting, two types of antibodies-primary and secondary antibodies-are used to detect the target protein with high specificity. The assays that primarily involve the use of antibodies include western blotting, ELISA, and other immunoassays. In addition, research-grade antibodies are fundamental in the research labs for detection studies. Figure: An illustrative image of the antibody structure, showing two light chains and two heavy chains, and the hinge, Fab, and Fc regions in the antibody that are involved in binding with the antigen.įor decades, these molecules have helped biomedical and life science researchers understand many diseases and develop targeted therapies.

Antibody production definition