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Injection of an antigen into an animal will result in a polyclonal antibody response in which different antibodies are produced that react with the various epitopes on the antigen.

Polyclonal antibodies work in the following ways: They target various immune system proteins including lymphocyte surface proteins, granulocytes, platelets, bone marrow cells, and other cell types. They suppress the immune system to prevent renal transplant rejection.

What is a Polyclonal Antibody? A Polyclonal Antibody represents a collection of antibodies from different B cells that recognize multiple epitopes on the same antigen. Each of these individual antibodies recognizes a unique epitope that is located on that antigen.

Although the polyclonal response confers advantages on the immune system, in particular, greater probability of reacting against pathogens, it also increases chances of developing certain autoimmune diseases resulting from the reaction of the immune system against native molecules produced within the host.

Disadvantages of using Polyclonal antibodies: Increased chance for cross reaction – false positives. Non specific interaction with the antigen- considerable heterogeneity within the antibody pool. Life span of the host animal is limited.

WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF POLYCLONAL ANTIBODIES? Headache. Fever. Rash. Chills. Diarrhea. Nausea. Vomiting. Malaise (a sense of unease or a lack of well-being)

The polyclonal antibodies can cause serum sickness, bone marrow suppression, and hemolysis. The use of these agents also may trigger a potent cytokine response. Most side effects are related either to the degree of purity of the antigenic preparation used to immunize the animals or to the purification of the serum.