RESUMO
The paper considers the characteristics of monoclonal antibodies, methods for their experimental preparation, problems of their production, and possibilities of their use for the emergency prevention of viral infections and for the treatment of chronic diseases caused by human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses, and herpes viruses. The future of experimentally produced or clinically trialed monoclonal antibodies is mainly determined by commercial considerations. It is possible that simplification of industrial production technologies and a reduction in the cost of evidence-based methods for evaluation of clinical effectiveness will allow monoclonal antibodies to be extensively used for the prevention and treatment of viral infections.