The key to immunohistology: The binding
feature
A
ntibodies are formed in certain blood cells in response to
substances that the immune
system classifies as harmful.
These so-called antigens are molecules that are located, for example, on the surface of viruses or
bacteria. Again, the antibodies bind
certain areas of the antigens called
epitopes. This way, they signal the
immune system to reduce these
foreign binding structures.
This binding character is also useful in diagnostics: In the immunohistology or immunohistochemistry
procedures there are antibodies
inserted to make certain structures,
such as proteins, visible. “These
procedures have been used since
the late 70’s and have been continuously improved and expanded,”
explains Jürgen Frerichs, head of
DIANOVA GmbH (www.dianova.com),
one of the established commercial
enterprises in the sector.
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