7 Immunochemical techniques
R. BURNS
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Making antibodies
7.3 Immunoassay formats
7.4 Immuno microscopy
7.5 Lateral flow devices
7.6 Epitope mapping
7.7 Immunoblotting
7.8 Fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS)
7.9 Cell and tissue staining techniques
7.10 Immunocapture polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
7.11 Immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC)
7.12 Antibody-based biosensors
7.13 Therapeutic antibodies
7.14 The future uses of antibody technology
7.15 Suggestions for further reading
7.1 INTRODUCTION
The immune system of mammals has evolved over millions of years and provides an
incredibly elegant protection system which is capable of responding to infective
challenges as they arise. The system is fluid-based and both the cells of immunity
and their products are transported throughout the body, primarily in the blood and
secondarily through fluid within the tissues and organs themselves. All areas of the
body are protected by immunity apart from the central nervous system including the
brain and eyes. There are several cell types involved in immune responses, each with a
role to play and each controlled by chemical mediators known ascytokines. This
control is essential as the immune system is such a powerful tool it needs careful
management to ensure its effective operation. Both over- and under-activity could
have fatal consequences.
All vertebrates have advanced immune systems which show the similarities that
you would expect from our common evolutionary past. The more advanced the
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