Developments in Biological Standardization, Volume 57: Monoclonal Antibodies, Standardization of their Characterization and Use

Abstract

Volume 57 of Developments in Biological Standardization is a compilation of research papers presented at an International Symposium held in Paris during July of 1983. Although the volume contains a surfeit of relevant information for researchers using monoclonal antibody technology, more recent advances in this rapidly expanding field may limit its value as a reference text. Session I, entitled “Generalities,” consists of several short papers dealing with problems of monoclonal antibody production and their application, as immunoprophylactic and immunodiagnostic reagents, to world health problems. The logistics of establishing computerized clone banks for the easy retrieval of antibodies is also covered. Most importantly, two detailed presentations stress the necessitity of standardizing the immunoassay methods used for characterizations and assessments of monoclonal antibody specificity. Unfortunately, most of the papers which follow do not address that problem. The second session, comprised of a series of short papers devoted to monoclonal antibodies which recognize blood group antigens, should be of special interest to immunohematologists.