ABSTRACT
In 1975, Kohler and Milstein developed a procedure (for which they received the Nobel Prize) to create cell lines producing predetermined, monospecific, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This procedure has been standardized and applied on a massive scale to the preparation of antibodies useful to many research and clinical efforts. The basic technology involves fusion of an immortal cell (a myeloma tumor cell) with a specific predetermined antibody-producing B cell from immunized animals or humans (Figure 1). The resulting hybridoma cell is immortal and synthesizes homogeneous, specific mAb, which can be made in large quantities. Thus, mAbs have become standard research reagents and have extensive clinical applications.
