Monoclonal Human Antitumor Antibodies: Search for Specific B-Lymphocytes Suitable for Fusion

Abstract

Since the production of human monoclonal antibody has proved more difficult than the production of mouse monoclonal antibody, the obvious question must be asked: Is it worth the effort? The answer must be yes! Human monoclonal antibodies may obviate many of the difficulties that murine monoclonal antibodies used for therapy have encountered. The difficulties range from minor allergic reactions to anaphylaxis. Human monoclonal antibodies in this regard would also be safer and more useful in in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Moreover, murine monoclonal antibodies, being foreign proteins, are cleared by the reticuloendothelial system after several administrations due to their recognition by the human immune system. It should also be noted that murine monoclonal antibodies recognize a different range of antigens than do humans. The mouse immune system primarily recognizes xenogeneic antigens on human cells. A clinically relevant set of antigens on human tumor cell surfaces may generate a poor, if any, immune response in mice. Humans, on the other hand, may be better able to distinguish between normal and tumor cells.