Understand Protein Expression in Tissue with Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Detect and Analyze Protein Expression

What is immunohistohemistry (IHC)?

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique that involves the labeling of cellular proteins in tissue samples with a specific primary antibody and visualization of the target with detection reagents. Using IHC, protein expression can be assessed via chromogenic or fluorescent detection. Both detection systems rely on antigen recognition mediated by a primary antibody. Chromogenic IHC utilizes enzyme-catalyzed deposition of chromogens at the site of the antigen, while fluorescent IHC employs fluorophores and direct or indirect immunofluorescence to help visualize antigens of interest.

Both detection systems reveal equivalent detail of protein level and distribution. Thus, the choice of a detection method is entirely dependent on the objective of the experiment.

When to choose IHC?

IHC is commonly used for morphological characterization of tumors or other tissue malignancies. IHC uses antibodies to detect and analyze protein expression while maintaining the composition, cellular characteristics, and structure of the native tissue.

At CST, scientists specializing in IHC test a large number of antibodies and only recommend those best suited for IHC - ensuring your assay will work the first time, every time.

What variables should you consider when designing an IHC experiment?

At CST, scientists specializing in IHC test a large number of antibodies and only recommend those best suited for the application. Our scientists test multiple methods of antigen retrieval and immunostaining to determine the optimal conditions for use of each antibody in IHC. In addition, our scientists develop companion reagents for IHC to enhance antigen detection and improve the efficiency of IHC protocols.

The crosslinks created during the fixation step can prevent antibody binding by inhibiting access to the antigen; therefore, it is important to reverse crosslinks using a procedure called antigen retrieval. Antigen retrieval can be achieved through either a heat-induced method or enzymatic digestions. The recommended method for your CST antibody will be clearly indicated on the product datasheet.

The primary antibody is a critical component of any IHC assay and has a direct effect upon data quality. A poor primary antibody can result in uninterpretable or misleading results. It takes more than just positive staining in a single tissue sample for an antibody to be approved for use in IHC. Antibodies should undergo a stringent validation procedure to ensure that the antibody detects the target accurately.

Using the optimal reagents and protocols for your antibody can greatly improve your results.

You must also ensure the signal you are detecting is specific. An important consideration in any experiment is the inclusion of appropriate controls. Positive and negative controls instill confidence that your antibody is detecting its intended target.

What are the challenges in using IHC?

Suboptimal IHC staining is frequently resolved by adjusting relatively few variables. Adjustments to key steps within the protocol, such as antigen retrieval, can often resolve common issues, such as little or no signal and high background.

Contact our advanced technical support team to answer questions about your assay, including detailed information on:

• IHC validation
• IHC assay troubleshooting
• Leica BOND autostainer protocol development
• Multiplex IHC assay protocols and troubleshooting

Get Consistent Results with Validated IHC Antibodies

The primary antibody is a critical component of any IHC assay and has a direct effect on data quality. The determination of target specificity in IHC analysis requires multiple validation steps. CST offers over 700 recombinant monoclonal antibodies that have been rigorously validated for IHC using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. In-house validation allows our scientists to provide expert advice that will save you time and accelerate your results. Our extensive validation ensures that all of our IHC-P validated antibodies can also be used for fluorescent multiplex IHC.

CST scientists use a variety of methods, as appropriate, to validate each IHC-recommended antibody, ensuring that the staining you observe with each antibody is specific. Validation steps include:

• Western blot analysis to demonstrate the appropriate molecular weight(s), with minimal crossreacting bands.
• Paraffin-embedded cell pellets of known target expression levels are used to verify target specificity.
• Antibody performance is assessed in relevant models of cancer, including but not limited to human cancer tissue arrays, mouse models, and xenografts from cell lines with known target expression levels.
• Tissue sections and cell pellets are subjected to phosphatase treatment to verify target phospho-specificity.
• Blocking peptides verify specificity and rule out Fc-mediated binding and other nonspecific staining.
• Thorough lot testing ensures the reproducibility necessary for accurate IHC results.
• Dilutions and protocols are predetermined and specified; control reagents are also available.

Accelerate optimization with antibody-specific companion products and controls

Antibodies are only one of the factors responsible for experimental success. Using the optimal reagents and protocols for your antibody can greatly improve your results. To improve the efficiency of your IHC protocol development and ensure your assay is successful, our scientists test multiple methods of antigen retrieval and immunostaining to determine the optimal conditions for use of each antibody in IHC. We develop companion reagents to enhance antigen detection, improving your results.