Immunocytochemistry

Immunocytochemistry is a common laboratory technique that is used to visually detect the presence of specific proteins or antigens in cells by use of specific antibodies that bind to them. The antibodies are visualized by direct or indirect labelling with a fluorescent or chromogenic dye.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Immunocytochemistry is a powerful tool used in cell biology, microbiology, and related fields to identify the distribution and localization of biomarkers and differentially expressed proteins in different parts of a biological tissue. It is a type of immunostaining and was first developed and described by Albert Coons in 1941.

Methodology[edit | edit source]

Immunocytochemistry involves the process of selectively imaging antigens (proteins) in cells of a tissue section by exploiting the principle of antibodies binding specifically to antigens in biological tissues. The antibodies are usually linked to a fluorescent dye or an enzyme that produces a chromogenic signal.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Immunocytochemistry is widely used in the diagnosis of abnormal cells such as those found in cancerous tumors. Specific molecular markers are characteristic of particular cellular events such as proliferation or cell death (apoptosis). Immunocytochemistry is also widely used in basic research to understand the distribution and localization of biomarkers and differentially expressed proteins in different parts of a biological tissue.

References[edit | edit source]

Immunocytochemistry Resources
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