Why are monoclonal antibodies important in therapy?

Monoclonal antibodies are important in therapy because they specifically target certain antigens. This specificity allows them to bind to particular proteins or markers on the surface of cells, making them highly effective in treating various conditions, such as cancers or autoimmune diseases. By focusing on targeted antigens, monoclonal antibodies can engage the immune system to destroy cells that express those antigens while sparing normal, healthy cells. This reduces the risk of collateral damage to surrounding tissues, which is a significant advantage over less targeted therapies that may attack all cells indiscriminately.

The specificity of monoclonal antibodies also allows for the development of personalized medicine approaches, where treatments can be tailored based on the unique antigen expression profile of a patient's disease. This makes them powerful tools in precision medicine, aiming to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and reduce side effects.