Antibodies are a type of protein produced by our bodies to fight disease. Specific white blood cells, known as plasma cells, secrete these antibodies which basically head out on a search and destroy mission, searching for bacteria and viruses. This process is a function of our immune system.
Scientists have identified thousands of different types of bacterial infections and viruses and are currently studying everything from variants of the common cold to serious, life-threatening viruses. The hope is that new medicines and vaccines can either lessen the effects or eradicate these illnesses. Scientists create and study polyclonal antibodies to help with this process.
In order to produce polyclonal antibodies, a lab technician will inject an animal such as a rat or rabbit with a toxin known as an antigen. These antigens force a response from the host's immune system which then goes into attack mode. Plasma cells do their job, secrete antibodies, go after this newly introduced toxin and polyclonal antibodies are formed. The lab tech will take blood from the animal, purify these new polyclonal antibodies and then use them to study the effect they have on viruses or bacteria.
Generally, researchers outsource the creation of these polyclonal antibodies to laboratories that specialize in the creation of antibodies. Some labs offer different options, such as creating custom antibodies against synthetic peptides, against recombinant proteins or perhaps against other proteins and antigens that are supplied by the research team. Typically the process of creating these polyclonal antibodies takes about two months to complete.
These antibodies are particularly helpful when scientists attempt to create vaccines and antiserums for diseases such as the Ebola virus. There are actually five known types of Ebola, one of which has a fatality rate of more than 80% and even as high as 90% in some outbreaks. In fact, there have been three deaths attributed to Ebola due to laboratory accidents, so when the virus is being studied, strict lab protocol must be followed.
Currently, there is no vaccine or medicine that can cure or eliminate Ebola, although scientists are working diligently to find a cure or at the very least an antiserum for Ebola. An antiserum has been created using polyclonal antibodies, and has been shown to be the only effective treatment for the disease, although there has not been widespread success with this antiserum. It is hoped that by using polyclonal antibodies, medical researchers will be able to develop an antiserum that is effective and easy to replicate so that it can be used to treat millions of people successfully. It is also hoped that polyclonal antibodies can be the source of vaccines and medicines for many other diseases as well.
Scientists have identified thousands of different types of bacterial infections and viruses and are currently studying everything from variants of the common cold to serious, life-threatening viruses. The hope is that new medicines and vaccines can either lessen the effects or eradicate these illnesses. Scientists create and study polyclonal antibodies to help with this process.
In order to produce polyclonal antibodies, a lab technician will inject an animal such as a rat or rabbit with a toxin known as an antigen. These antigens force a response from the host's immune system which then goes into attack mode. Plasma cells do their job, secrete antibodies, go after this newly introduced toxin and polyclonal antibodies are formed. The lab tech will take blood from the animal, purify these new polyclonal antibodies and then use them to study the effect they have on viruses or bacteria.
Generally, researchers outsource the creation of these polyclonal antibodies to laboratories that specialize in the creation of antibodies. Some labs offer different options, such as creating custom antibodies against synthetic peptides, against recombinant proteins or perhaps against other proteins and antigens that are supplied by the research team. Typically the process of creating these polyclonal antibodies takes about two months to complete.
These antibodies are particularly helpful when scientists attempt to create vaccines and antiserums for diseases such as the Ebola virus. There are actually five known types of Ebola, one of which has a fatality rate of more than 80% and even as high as 90% in some outbreaks. In fact, there have been three deaths attributed to Ebola due to laboratory accidents, so when the virus is being studied, strict lab protocol must be followed.
Currently, there is no vaccine or medicine that can cure or eliminate Ebola, although scientists are working diligently to find a cure or at the very least an antiserum for Ebola. An antiserum has been created using polyclonal antibodies, and has been shown to be the only effective treatment for the disease, although there has not been widespread success with this antiserum. It is hoped that by using polyclonal antibodies, medical researchers will be able to develop an antiserum that is effective and easy to replicate so that it can be used to treat millions of people successfully. It is also hoped that polyclonal antibodies can be the source of vaccines and medicines for many other diseases as well.
About the Author:
Armand Zeiders enjoys blogging about biomedical research. For further information about custom monoclonal antibody production or N-Terminal sequencing services, please go to PrimmBiotech.com now.
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