Opinion - (2023)Volume 4, Issue 3
Immunohistochemical profiling is a powerful and versatile technique in the field of pathology and biomedical research. It provides invaluable insights into the molecular and cellular composition of tissues, aiding in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning of various diseases. This study explores the fascinating world of immunohistochemical profiling, exploring its principles, applications, and its pivotal role in advancing our understanding of health and disease.
Understanding immunohistochemical profiling
Basics of immunohistochemistry: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique that enables the visualization and localization of specific proteins within tissue sections using antibodies. This method is based on the principles of antigen-antibody interactions, where antibodies bind to target antigens with high specificity.
Antibodies in immunohistochemistry: Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are the workhorses of IHC. Monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single, identical cell line, providing high specificity but limited antigen recognition diversity. Polyclonal antibodies, on the other hand, are derived from multiple cell lines, offering broader antigen recognition but potentially lower specificity.
The process of immunohistochemical profiling
Tissue preparation: Before IHC, tissues must be properly collected, preserved, and sectioned. Tissue fixation using formalin and embedding in paraffin wax are common methods to maintain tissue integrity.
Antigen retrieval: Many antigens become masked during the fixation process, necessitating antigen retrieval. This step involves applying heat or enzymes to expose the target antigens for antibody binding.
Primary antibody incubation: In this step, the tissue sections are incubated with the primary antibody specific to the target protein. If the protein is present in the tissue, the antibody will bind to it.
Secondary antibody incubation: The primary antibody is typically unconjugated, so a secondary antibody, conjugated with a detectable marker (e.g., enzyme, fluorophore), is used to recognize and bind the primary antibody.
Visualization: The secondary antibody's detectable marker allows the visualization of the target protein's location within the tissue section. Common markers include enzymes like horseradish peroxidase or fluorophores like fluorescein.
Counterstaining: To provide contrast and aid in tissue identification, counterstains like hematoxylin (for cell nuclei) are often applied after IHC staining.
Applications
Cancer diagnosis and subtyping: IHC is extensively used in oncology to identify and classify tumors. Specific markers like Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) help in diagnosing breast cancer and determining the most appropriate treatment.
Predicting disease prognosis: Immunohistochemical profiling can provide insights into a patient's prognosis. For example, in colorectal cancer, the presence of specific markers like Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation, can indicate disease aggressiveness.
Biomarker discovery: IHC plays a pivotal role in biomarker discovery. It helps researchers identify new markers associated with diseases, facilitating early diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies.
Infectious disease diagnosis: In infectious diseases, IHC can be employed to detect pathogens or their antigens in tissues. It is especially useful in diagnosing viral infections and studying the tissue tropism of viruses.
Immunohistochemical profiling has emerged as an indispensable tool in modern medicine and research. It offers a window into the complex world of tissues, aiding in disease diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and biomarker discovery. As technology continues to advance, the future of IHC holds exciting possibilities, including single-cell analysis, liquid biopsy applications, and deeper integration with genomics, promising a more nuanced understanding of health and disease at the molecular level.
Citation: Hachad S (2023) Immunohistochemical Profiling in Modern Medicine and its Applications. J Mol Pathol Biochem. 4:153
Received: 22-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. JMPB-23-26415; Editor assigned: 25-Aug-2023, Pre QC No. JMPB-23-26415 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-Sep-2023, QC No. JMPB-23-26415; Revised: 18-Sep-2023, Manuscript No. JMPB-23-26415 (R); Published: 25-Sep-2023 , DOI: 10.35248/jmpb.23.4.153
Copyright: © 2023 Hachad S. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.