Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be diagnosed by testing urine samples. These tests use monoclonal antibodies that bind to an antigen on the pathogen. Describe how a monoclonal antibody can be developed and used to detect an STI using a urine sample – 10032

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1. First, scientists isolate an antigen from the pathogen that causes the STI. This antigen is then injected into a mouse. The mouse’s immune system responds by producing lymphocytes that make antibodies against the antigen.
   Next, the B-lymphocyte from the mouse is fused with a cancer cell called a myeloma cell to make a hybridoma. This hybridoma can divide quickly and keeps making the same antibody – called a monoclonal antibody.
   The monoclonal antibody is then attached to a coloured bead or indicator. Finally, it is added to a test strip, so if the STI antigen is present in a sample, the strip will show a result.

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