Immunolabelling

Immunolabelling is a technique used in immunology and related fields to identify and visualize specific proteins or antigens within cells or tissues. This method involves the use of antibodies that are specific to the target antigen. The process typically begins with the preparation of tissue samples, which are then fixed and permeabilized to preserve the structure and accessibility of the antigens. The samples are incubated with primary antibodies that bind to the target antigens. After washing to remove unbound primary antibodies, the samples are incubated with secondary antibodies, which are conjugated to a detectable marker such as fluorescent dyes, enzymes, or gold particles. This secondary antibody binds to the primary antibody, allowing for the visualization of the target antigen under a microscope. Immunolabelling is widely used in research and clinical settings for diagnosing diseases, studying cellular processes, and understanding the distribution and function of proteins within tissues. The technique can be adapted for various types of microscopy, including fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy, making it a versatile tool in biological research.