Immunologische Techniken

Immunological techniques include both experimental methods for studying the immune system and methods for producing or using immunological reagents as experimental tools. The most common immunological methods relate to the production and use of antibodies for the detection of specific proteins in biological samples.

Antibody production refers to the generation of antibodies from cells or animals in sufficient quantities to be used as experimental or therapeutic reagents. Polyclonal antibody mixtures are produced by injecting an animal with a substance that elicits an immune response, while monoclonal antibodies are generated from immortal immune cell lines.

The isolation and purification of antibodies involve concentrating one or more antibodies that recognize a specific target molecule, as well as removing nonspecific antibodies and contaminants. Pure isolated antibodies typically exhibit higher activity and a lower likelihood of cross-reacting with non-target molecules compared to impure mixtures.