Bio 006 - 9LB: ELISA

ELISA

A system that scientists use to detect the presence of antigens, using antibodies.

Direct ELISA

Uses 1 set of antibodies that is primed to bind to a specific antigen. Antibodies have an added region that will light up if they bind to the antigen.

Indirect ELISA

Uses 2 sets of antibodies: one to bind to the antigen (specific) and one to bind to the first antibody and light up.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells which recognize & bind to antigens.

Antigens

Any macromolecule the adaptive immune system can learn to recognize.

Neutralization

One of the three ways antibodies destroy pathogens.

Opsonization

One of the three ways antibodies destroy pathogens.

Complement activation

One of the three ways antibodies destroy pathogens.

Primary antibodies

Antibodies that are very specific to an antigen and their purpose is to stick to the antigen and hold it down.

Secondary antibodies

Antibodies made to bind to any kind of human antibody and are attached to an enzyme that changes colors when it interacts with the primary antibody.

HIV-associated antigens

Antigens that are likely present in the blood, saliva, etc., of someone who has HIV.

Sensitivity in Indirect ELISA

Higher sensitivity means more precise detection of antigens.

Cost-effectiveness in Indirect ELISA

Indirect ELISA is cheaper for scientists compared to other methods.

Flexibility in Indirect ELISA

Indirect ELISA is more flexible for many uses.

Color change in ELISA

If antigen is present, a color change occurs due to the reaction of the secondary antibody with a certain chemical.