The production of monoclonal antibodies involves the fusion of myeloma cells with spleen cells and the selection of hybridomas (cell hybrids) in culture utilizing hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine (HAT) supplemented medium. Aminopterin blocks the synthesis of DNA by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase Cells that lack the ability to utilize the salvage pathway for nucleotide synthesis are eliminated. Cells that possess hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRTase) and thymidine kinase (TK) enzymes can utilize the salvage pathway if supplied with hypoxanthine and thymidine.
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.