Mouse antibodies, also known as murine antibodies, are antibodies derived from mice. These antibodies are widely used in research and therapeutic applications due to their ability to target specific antigens .
There are five antibody isotypes in mice: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, each with a different heavy chain . Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are produced by immunizing mice with a target antigen and then harvesting the antibody-producing cells . These cells are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas, which can produce large quantities of the desired antibody .
One challenge with using mouse antibodies in humans is the Human Anti-Mouse Antibody (HAMA) response . The human immune system can recognize mouse antibodies as foreign and produce antibodies against them, leading to allergic reactions and reduced efficacy of the treatment . Advances in antibody engineering have led to the development of chimeric and humanized antibodies, which are less likely to trigger the HAMA response .
Mouse antibodies are used in various diagnostic and therapeutic applications. They are employed in immunoassays, imaging studies, and as treatments for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders . Fully human monoclonal antibodies, produced using transgenic mice or in vitro techniques, are becoming increasingly common due to their reduced immunogenicity .