What Techniques are Used to Identify Target Antigens?
Several techniques can be employed to identify and study target antigens:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique uses antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue sections. The antibody-antigen binding is visualized using various detection methods, such as colorimetric or fluorescent labeling. Western Blotting: This method separates proteins by electrophoresis, transfers them to a membrane, and uses antibodies to detect specific antigens. Flow Cytometry: This technique analyzes the expression of cell surface and intracellular molecules by passing cells through a laser beam and detecting fluorescence emission. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This assay quantifies antigens in a sample using antibodies and enzyme-mediated color change.