what is Recombinant antibodies?

Recombinant antibodies (rAbs) are monoclonal antibodies which are generated in vitro using synthetic genes. Unlike monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which are produced using traditional hybridoma-based technologies, rAbs do not need hybridomas and animals in the production process.

Both monoclonal and recombinant antibodies can be used in biomedical science and toxicological research, and are effective therapeutic treatments for cancer, autoimmune disorders and a host of other diseases. However, while monoclonal antibodies have become one of the most common tools in biomedical science and medicine due to their ability to bind and neutralize or destroy cell-specific antigens, the ascites method of production causes significant pain and discomfort to the animals used in the process.

As such, the governments of Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdon banned it in favor of in vitro methods. The US also endorses the use of in vitro methods as the default procedure for the production of mAbs.

However, it is important to note that in vitro methods involving hybridomas also have their own limitations, which include the following:

Require immunization and subsequent euthanasia of the animals used in the process.
Slow and labor-intensive.
Often cause immune reactions so the antibodies need to be altered and "humanized" before they can be administered to patients.