Polyclonal antibodies are generated by exposing an animal, typically rabbits, to a specific antigen. This exposure triggers the animal’s immune system to produce a diverse array of antibodies against various epitopes of the antigen. Unlike monoclonal antibodies that arise from a single type of antibody-producing cell, polyclonal antibodies are derived from a multitude of different cells, offering a broad spectrum of binding specificities.
These antibodies find applications in various fields, serving as versatile tools in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. In research, polyclonal antibodies are employed for techniques such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry, facilitating the study of protein expression and localization. They play a crucial role in diagnostic assays, detecting specific markers associated with diseases in methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Additionally, polyclonal antibodies are used in therapeutics by providing a rapid and diverse immune response.
