Hi, could anyone tell me why there aren't any good antibodies for receptors?
Dear Helen,
A study published in 2011 entitled " Non-specific binding of antibodies in immunohistochemistry: fallacies and facts" by Igor Buchwalow et al. sheds light on some reasons why antibodies for IHC receptors do no show good binding:
Sci Rep. 2011; 1: 28.
Published online 2011 Jul 1. doi: 10.1038/srep00028
PMCID: PMC3216515
Non-specific binding of antibodies in immunohistochemistry: fallacies and facts
Igor Buchwalow,a Vera Samoilova, Werner Boecker, and Markus Tiemann
Abstract
The current protocols for blocking background staining in immunohistochemistry are based on conflicting reports. Background staining is thought to occur as a result of either non-specific antibody (Ab) binding to endogenous Fc receptors (FcRs) or a combination of ionic and hydrophobic interactions. In this study, cell and tissue samples were processed according to routine protocols either with or without a blocking step (goat serum or BSA). Surprisingly, no Abs in samples processed without a blocking step showed any propensity for non-specific binding leading to background staining, implying that endogenous FcRs do not retain their ability to bind the Fc portion of Abs after standard fixation. Likewise, we did not find any non-specific Ab binding ascribable to either ionic or hydrophobic interactions. We determined that traditionally used protein blocking steps are unnecessary in the immunostaining of routinely fixed cell and tissue samples.
To view the full publication, please use the following link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3216515/
Hoping this will be helpful,
Rafik
There are some good anti Fc receptor antibodies. Differential diagnosis of some disorders depend on them. Paraffin reactive ones are available from the likes of Dako, ventana and Novacastra. On non formalin fixed material they do have a tendency to bind plasma cells non specifically on occasion. The article Rafik has posted looks good to me.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Immunology