The wonderful story of monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies have become daily partners of both biologists and clinicians, as reagents and therapeutic agents. Behind their odd names and incredible diversity lies an amazing story of inventiveness and daring. This review tries to retrace the major steps of this saga, initiated by the search for anti-rabbit red blood cell antibodies and currently culminating in amazing molecular constructions saving lives. After some historical and basic reminders, the fields of reagents and drugs will be addressed. This invaluable contribution of immunology to the understanding of both physiology and treatment clearly deserves to be fully recognized.