Application of Immunohistochemistry in Basic and Clinical Studies

Area of Science:

• Biomedical science
• Immunology
• Histology

Background:

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a crucial immune morphological analysis technique.
• It involves using antibodies to selectively identify specific antigens (proteins) within cells or tissue sections.

Purpose of the Study:

• This chapter introduces the fundamental procedures and diverse applications of immunohistochemistry.
• The primary focus is on the utility of IHC in biomarker studies, particularly for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic drug development.

Main Methods:

• Detailed protocols for performing immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections are provided.
• The methodology emphasizes selective antigen identification using specific antibodies.

Main Results:

• The chapter outlines the application of IHC in identifying key biomarkers relevant to oncology.
• It highlights the role of IHC in advancing cancer diagnostics and prognostics.

Conclusions:

• Immunohistochemistry is a versatile technique with significant applications in both basic research and clinical practice.
• Its specific application in cancer biomarker analysis aids in diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of targeted therapies.