The Complete Guide To Immunohistochemistry

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Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely used technique for visualizing the distribution and localization of antigens within tissue sections. This method relies on antibodies to identify the precise location of proteins and other antigens, as antibodies bind exclusively to the antigen of interest. The interaction between the antibody and antigen can be viewed using either fluorescent dye (fluorescent detection) or a colored enzyme substrate (chromogenic detection).

While IHC is not as quantitative as techniques like western blotting or ELISA, it offers critical insights into the localization of proteins. These patterns of protein expression are invaluable for both research and clinical applications, serving as an important diagnostic tool for identifying abnormal cells in diseases like cancer. Continue reading to learn about sample preparation, antigen retrieval and permeabilization, antibodies in IHC, detection and amplification systems, and more.