Antibodies function in basic research, as diagnostics, and as sophisticated therapeutics.

Antibodies

Proteins that are part of the body's immune response to antigens.

Antigens

Foreign elements or viruses that trigger an immune response.

Heavy chains and light chains

Structural components of antibodies held together by sulphide bridges.

Variable region

The site of antigen interaction in antibodies, consisting of the paratope that binds the epitope of an antigen.

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assays (ChIP)

Assays used to evaluate the regulation of molecular pathways and understand gene function.

Choosing an antibody for ChIP assay

involves selecting an antibody that specifically recognises the target protein or histone modification of interest, ensuring optimal binding and specificity for accurate results.

IgG

The main antibody in blood that can bind to bacteria and toxins.

Protein localisation

The process of moving proteins to and maintaining them in specific locations within a cell.

Immunofluorescence

a laboratory technique used to detect and localise specific proteins in cells or tissue sections by utilizing antibodies tagged with fluorescent dyes

Immunohistochemistry

A technique that uses antibodies to visualize and identify proteins in tissue samples by binding specifically to target antigens, allowing for detailed analysis of cellular structures and functions.

Immunoassays

Bioanalytical methods that use antibodies or antigens to measure the concentration of analytes.

Immunosensors

Devices used to detect the immunochemical reaction between antigens and antibodies.

Antibody serology tests

Diagnostic tools that detect the presence of antibodies in blood.

Autoantibodies

Antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly attack the body's own tissues.

Teplizumab

A monoclonal antibody approved for delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

A serological test that measures antibodies in various bodily fluids.

Antibody-antigen binding

The process by which antibodies specifically bind to their corresponding antigens.

Western blot test

A confirmatory test used to diagnose HIV infection after a positive ELISA.

False negatives/false positives

Incorrect test results that may occur in antibody testing.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies produced in a lab from a single type of immune cell, used in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Antibody therapeutics

Medicinal products derived from antibodies used to treat various diseases.