Immunohistochemistry Applications

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an essential cellular and molecular biology research tool playing a crucial role in understanding and diagnosing diseases. It is a powerful technique that combines immunological and histological methods to visualize specific cellular components within a tissue sample.

"Widely used technique in drug discovery, as it provides valuable information about protein expression, localization, and interaction within the cellular context."

Immunohistochemistry was first developed in the 1940s by Albert Coons, who introduced the concept of using fluorescent antibodies to label antigens in cells. This groundbreaking innovation has since been refined, and IHC has become an indispensable tool for researchers in various disciplines. IHC relies on the specific binding of an antibody to its target antigen, followed by visualization using a chromogenic or fluorescent substrate, which enables scientists to study the distribution, localization, and expression levels of proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids within cells and tissues.

IHC has found applications in numerous areas of research, some of which include:

Disease Diagnosis

IHC has become an invaluable tool in diagnosing various diseases, particularly cancer. By identifying specific biomarkers and abnormal protein expressions in tissue samples, researchers can differentiate between cancer subtypes and predict the prognosis of the disease.

Neuroscience

The complex architecture of the brain and the intricate connections between neurons necessitate advanced imaging techniques like IHC. It has been instrumental in understanding the cellular composition, organization, and function of different brain regions and their roles in neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Developmental Biology

IHC is used to study the expression patterns of proteins involved in embryonic development, enabling researchers to understand how cells differentiate and how tissues and organs form during development.

IHC is particularly important in drug discovery because it helps researchers understand the target protein's distribution and expression levels in normal and disease tissues and its potential role in the disease mechanism. Here are some ways IHC is utilized in drug discovery:

Target identification

IHC helps to identify and validate the expression of target proteins that may be involved in the pathogenesis of a disease. By understanding the expression and distribution of a potential drug target, researchers can determine if it is a suitable candidate for therapeutic intervention.

Biomarker discovery

IHC is used to identify and validate biomarkers which are used to monitor disease progression, predict drug response, or evaluate treatment efficacy. Biomarkers can enable patient stratification, allowing for more personalized treatment strategies.

Pharmacodynamic (PD) markers

IHC can be used to assess target engagement and the downstream effects of a drug on a cellular level. By measuring changes in the expression or localization of proteins, researchers can determine if a drug is hitting its target and eliciting the desired response.

Toxicity assessment

IHC can be used to identify potential off-target effects and toxicity issues in preclinical studies. By examining the expression and localization of proteins in various tissues, researchers can detect any unintended consequences of drug treatment.

Understanding drug mechanism of action

IHC helps researchers understand how a drug interacts with its target protein and other cellular components, providing valuable insight into its mechanism of action. This information can inform the design of more effective and selective drugs.

Drug efficacy evaluation

IHC is used in preclinical and clinical studies to assess the efficacy of a drug candidate by evaluating its effects on target expression, cellular pathways, and disease progression. This information can help determine if a drug candidate should proceed to further stages of development.

Over the years, advancements in IHC research have continued to improve its sensitivity, specificity, and applications. Some of the recent advances in IHC research include the following:

Multiplex IHC

This technique allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple antigens in a single tissue section, which provides a more comprehensive understanding of the cellular context and interactions. Advancements in multiplex IHC include multispectral imaging and advanced computational techniques for image analysis.

Enhanced antibody validation

The reliability of IHC results heavily depends on the specificity and affinity of the antibodies used. Improved methods of antibody validation, such as knockout/knockdown models and orthogonal methods, have helped to ensure the accuracy of IHC data.

Improved detection systems

Enhanced signal amplification and detection systems, such as tyramide signal amplification (TSA) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based detection, have improved the sensitivity of IHC, enabling researchers to detect low-abundance antigens in tissue samples.

Digital pathology and AI

Advances in whole-slide imaging and digital pathology have enabled the digitization of IHC slides, allowing for more accurate and reproducible quantitative analysis. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are being developed to aid in the automated analysis of IHC data, which can help reduce human error and subjectivity.

Automated IHC platforms

Automated staining platforms have emerged, minimizing manual labour and improving consistency in the staining process. These systems allow for greater standardization of staining protocols and reduce variability in results.

Novel probes and labels

The development of new fluorophores, enzymes, and other labelling molecules has improved the sensitivity and specificity of IHC. These novel probes can enhance the detection of antigens and enable better multiplexing capabilities.

Combining IHC with complementary techniques can enhance the information obtained from a single experiment and allow a more comprehensive understanding of biological processes. Here are some examples of techniques that can be integrated with IHC:

In situ hybridization (ISH)

ISH is a technique used to detect and localize specific RNA or DNA sequences within cells or tissues. Combining IHC with ISH allows for the simultaneous analysis of gene expression (ISH) and protein localization (IHC) within the same sample.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

FISH is a variant of ISH that uses fluorescent probes to identify specific DNA or RNA sequences. Combining IHC with FISH allows for the simultaneous analysis of protein localization and gene expression or chromosomal alterations in cells.

Confocal microscopy

This advanced imaging technique provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of cells and tissues. Combining confocal microscopy with IHC allows for the precise localization of proteins within subcellular compartments and can help reveal the spatial relationships between different proteins.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)

scRNA-seq is a technique that enables the transcriptomic profiling of individual cells. Combining IHC with scRNA-seq can provide a more detailed understanding of tissue heterogeneity and the relationships between gene expression and protein localization at the single-cell level.

Immunohistochemistry revolutionized our understanding of cellular biology and disease mechanisms. It is a powerful tool in drug discovery, providing critical information about target proteins, biomarkers, drug efficacy, and safety. With its ability to generate spatial and temporal information about proteins in their native environment and harness the potential of emerging technologies, IHC is poised to remain an indispensable tool for researchers, opening new doors to discoveries in human health and disease. 

Please click on the links below to inquire about the Compare Biomarket® range of clinical biospecimens and services suitable for your unique human health research needs.