[Production of monoclonal antibodies]

Monoclonal antibodies are prepared by a process of somatic cell hybridization. During this process the antibody-forming plasma cells are fused with myeloma cells. Hybrid cells continue to proliferate and to secrete antibodies. Homogeneous cell population which secrete a monoclonal product are obtained by cloning of the hybrid cells. The reactivity of the monoclonal antiserum is then determined by a screening procedure (for example by immunoassay). The principles of the production and the screening of monoclonal antibodies are presented.