Term: Monoclonal Antibody
Definition: A monoclonal antibody is a laboratory-produced molecule designed to bind specifically to a single type of antigen, such as a protein found on the surface of cancer cells.
Phonetic Pronunciation: (mah-noh-KLOH-nuhl AN-tih-bah-dee)
Etymological Origin: The term "monoclonal" is derived from the Greek prefix "mono-" meaning "single" and "clonal," which relates to "clone," indicating that these antibodies are produced by identical immune cells cloned from a single parent cell. "Antibody" comes from the Latin "anti-" meaning "against" and "body," referring to the substance the immune system targets.
Significance in Asbestos Context: Monoclonal antibodies are significant in the asbestos field because they are used in immunohistochemical techniques to differentiate between mesothelioma and other cancers, such as adenocarcinoma. These antibodies can target specific proteins expressed by mesothelioma cells, aiding in accurate diagnosis, which is critical for asbestos-related litigation and treatment planning.
Synonyms or Related Terms: Immunoglobulin, targeted antibody therapy, diagnostic antibody.
Example Sentence: "Monoclonal antibodies are often used in the diagnosis of mesothelioma to distinguish it from other cancers, which is crucial in cases of asbestos exposure."
Common Misconceptions:
