Unlocking the power of

antibodies
Antibodies are tiny molecules that are critical to our immune system. But did
you know that scientists are also using them to detect diseases, develop
new treatments, and even fight cancer? Let's explore this incredible world
together.
P by Prashant Shukla
What are antibodies?
The basics Amazing diversity
Antibodies are proteins made by our immune There are millions of different types of antibodies.
system to fight infections. Each one can recognize and bind to a specific
molecule, called an antigen.

Structure Activation
Antibodies have a characteristic Y shape, with two When an antibody binds to an antigen, it triggers a
heavy and two light chains held together by cascade of events that can help destroy the
disulfide bonds. invader.
The power of monoclonal antibodies
What are they? Clinical applications How are they made?
Monoclonal antibodies are Monoclonal antibodies are Monoclonal antibodies are
made from identical copies of used to treat a range of produced by fusing an
a single antibody. They can diseases, from cancer and antibody-producing cell with
be engineered to bind to autoimmune disorders to a cancer cell. The resulting
specific targets, such as Covid-19. They can also be hybrid cell, or hybridoma, can
cancer cells. used to detect and monitor produce large amounts of
diseases. identical antibodies.
Antibodies in research
1 2 3
Discovery Tools Innovation
Antibodies have been used Scientists use antibodies as Antibodies are being
for decades to study a wide research tools to identify developed into a wide range
range of biological specific molecules, track of new diagnostic and
processes, from metabolism cells, and even map the therapeutic products, from
and communication to cell human brain. cancer treatments to point-
division and death. of-care tests for infectious
diseases.
Engineering antibodies
Rational design
Scientists can use computer
modeling and other techniques
to engineer antibodies with new
and improved properties, such as
higher affinity and specificity.
Phage display
Phage display is a powerful
technique for selecting
antibodies that bind to specific
targets. It involves fusing
antibody genes to the genes of
bacteriophages, which can then
be screened for binding.
Bispecific antibodies
Bispecific antibodies are
engineered to bind to two
different targets, such as a
cancer cell and a cytotoxic
immune cell. They can help the
immune system recognize and
attack cancer cells more
effectively.
The future of antibodies
1 Combination therapies 2 Gene editing
Scientists are exploring ways New gene-editing
to combine different types of technologies like CRISPR
antibodies, or to combine could be used to engineer
antibodies with other drugs, antibodies with even greater
to create more effective precision and specificity.
treatments for cancer and
other diseases.
3 Novel formats
Scientists are developing new antibody formats that can overcome
some of the limitations of traditional antibodies, such as poor tissue
penetration and low stability.
The impact of antibodies
Research
Antibodies are critical tools for research
in many fields, from basic biology to drug
discovery.
1 Healthcare
Antibodies have transformed healthcare
by enabling new diagnostic and
2 therapeutic approaches.
3 Society
The development of antibodies has
created new industries and jobs, and has
contributed to economic and social
advancement.
The beauty of antibodies

Art Nature Inspiration

Antibodies and other biological Antibodies are just one example The study of antibodies can
molecules can inspire creativity of the incredible beauty and inspire us to appreciate the
and connect art with science and complexity of the natural world. wonders of life and to explore
technology. new frontiers of knowledge.