Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies

Keio J Med. 2011;60(2):37-46. doi: 10.2302/kjm.60.37.

Abstract

Over a hundred years has passed since the discovery of the "magic bullet" serum therapy by Kitasato and Behring, the first ever therapeutic use of antibodies. More than 80 years later, the investigation of immunoglobulin structure and function and the development of cell and molecular biology introduced the production of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). In the 35 years since the first process for creating MoAbs was introduced, they have remained the centerpiece of the growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Herein, I review the history, development, and clinical settings of therapeutic MoAbs that have had a significant impact on life-saving medicine.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Communicable Diseases / drug therapy
  • Databases, Protein
  • Glycosylation
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive / history
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal