A guide to the perplexed on the specificity of antibodies
- J Histochem Cytochem. 2009 Jan;57(1):1-5. doi: 10.1369/jhc.2008.952770.
Affiliations
- 1. Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA. [email protected]
PMID: 18854594
DOI: 10.1369/jhc.2008.952770
Abstract
Many investigators are unaware of the potential problems with specificity of antibodies and the need to document antibody characterization meticulously for each antibody that is used. In this review, I consider the principles of antibody action and how they define a set of rules for what information should be obtained by the investigator before using an antibody in a serious scientific investigation.