The discovery of antibodies typically involves several key steps:
Antigen Identification: The first step is to identify and isolate the specific antigen of interest. This antigen will serve as the target for antibody production. Immunization: Laboratory animals, such as mice or rabbits, are immunized with the antigen. This process involves repeated exposure to the antigen to stimulate the animal's immune system to produce antibodies. Antibody Harvesting: After a sufficient immune response is achieved, the antibodies can be harvested from the animal's blood serum or spleen cells. Screening and Characterization: The harvested antibodies are then screened for specificity and affinity to ensure they bind effectively to the target antigen. Characterization includes determining antibody class and subclass.
