How do monoclonal antibodies work as therapeutics and give an example?

How do monoclonal antibodies work as therapeutics and give an example?

• A. They target non-specific cellular processes to kill many cell types.
• B. They target specific antigens to modulate immune responses or disease processes; example: rituximab targets CD20 on B cells.
• C. They kill cells by delivering cytotoxic small molecules.
• D. They function as vaccines.

Answer: (B)

Monoclonal antibodies work by binding to a single, specific antigen with high precision, allowing targeted intervention in disease. By attaching to the target, they can block receptor signaling, and their Fc region can recruit immune cells to attack the target or activate the complement system, often leading to selective destruction or modulation of the disease-driving cells. Rituximab exemplifies this approach: it binds CD20 on B cells and depletes CD20-positive B cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-mediated lysis, helping treat certain B-cell cancers and autoimmune diseases. This focused, antigen-driven action is different from non-specific cell killing and from vaccines, which train the immune system rather than provide a targeted therapeutic antibody.

Monoclonal antibodies work by binding to a single, specific antigen with high precision, allowing targeted intervention in disease. By attaching to the target, they can block receptor signaling, and their Fc region can recruit immune cells to attack the target or activate the complement system, often leading to selective destruction or modulation of the disease-driving cells. Rituximab exemplifies this approach: it binds CD20 on B cells and depletes CD20-positive B cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-mediated lysis, helping treat certain B-cell cancers and autoimmune diseases. This focused, antigen-driven action is different from non-specific cell killing and from vaccines, which train the immune system rather than provide a targeted therapeutic antibody.