humanized antibody

A humanized antibody is a type of antibody produced through genetic engineering and biotechnology. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign substances called antigens, such as bacteria or viruses.1

Normally, the immune system produces a mix of antibodies (polyclonal), but humanized antibodies are created from a single type of cell, making them monoclonal. This specificity allows them to target particular molecules with high precision.2

Researchers can create humanized antibodies by fusing mouse antibody-producing cells with human cells or by using recombinant DNA techniques to combine mouse and human genetic material. This process results in antibodies that are less likely to cause an adverse immune response in humans and are valuable tools in medical research and therapy, particularly in identifying and treating diseases like cancer.21