immunolabeled

Immunolabeling is a technique used in biology and medicine to detect and visualize specific molecules, typically proteins, within cells or tissues. It relies on the highly specific binding of antibodies to their target antigens. An antibody is a protein produced by the immune system that recognizes and binds to a unique molecular structure. In immunolabeling, antibodies are designed or selected to bind to the specific molecule of interest.

The process usually involves exposing a sample containing the target molecule to a primary antibody that is specific for that molecule. After allowing the antibody to bind, any unbound primary antibody is washed away. Then, a secondary antibody is introduced. This secondary antibody is designed to bind to the primary antibody and is typically conjugated, or attached, to a detectable marker. This marker can be a fluorescent dye, an enzyme that produces a colored product, or a radioactive isotope. The presence and location of the marker then indicate where the target molecule is located within the sample.

Immunolabeling techniques are broadly categorized into immunohistochemistry (IHC), which is used for tissues, and immunocytochemistry (ICC), which is used for individual cells. These methods are invaluable tools for research, diagnostics, and understanding cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and the distribution of specific molecules in biological samples. The specificity of the antibody-antigen interaction is key to the accuracy of immunolabeling.