What Role Does Rational Design Play in Immunohistochemistry?
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a powerful technique that uses antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissues. Rational design in IHC involves selecting or engineering antibodies that have high specificity and affinity for the target antigen. This reduces background noise and increases the signal-to-noise ratio, making it easier to identify and quantify specific proteins within complex tissue environments. Additionally, rational design can involve optimizing protocols for antigen retrieval, antibody incubation, and signal detection to enhance sensitivity and reproducibility.