Monoclonal antibodies that end with "-zumab" are derived from which source?

Monoclonal antibodies with names that end in "-zumab" are categorized as "humanized" antibodies. This classification means they are primarily derived from human sources but contain some components from murine (mouse) antibodies. The humanization process involves taking a mouse antibody that recognizes a specific target and modifying it to enhance its compatibility with human immune systems. This often includes replacing significant portions of the mouse antibody's structure with human antibody sequences, thus minimizing the risk of immune response against the therapeutic agent in patients.

This characteristic of being primarily human, but not fully so, distinguishes "-zumab" antibodies from others, such as fully human antibodies, which would end in "-umab," or chimeric antibodies, which combine parts of both human and murine sources. Understanding these terminologies is crucial for recognizing the potential immunogenicity and effectiveness of various monoclonal antibody therapies.