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Immuno-PCR

  1. Takeshi Sano1,
  2. Charles R. Cantor2,3

Published Online: 15 SEP 2006

DOI: 10.1002/3527600906.mcb.200400052

Book Title

Encyclopedia of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine

Encyclopedia of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine

Additional Information

How to Cite

Sano, T. and Cantor, C. R. 2006. Immuno-PCR. Encyclopedia of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine.

Author Information

  1. 1

    Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

  2. 2

    Sequenom, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA

  3. 3

    Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

Publication History

  1. Published Online: 15 SEP 2006
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Immuno-PCR is an antigen detection system, in which the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify a segment of marker DNA that has been attached specifically to antigen–antibody complexes. Because of the enormous amplification capability and specificity of PCR, immuno-PCR allows considerable enhancement in detection sensitivity of a specific antigen over conventional antigen detection systems, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and radioimmunoassays. A variety of superior characteristics and the versatility of immuno-PCR, including high but controllable sensitivity, simplicity, and easy contamination control, offer great promise for its application in various aspects of biological and medical sciences, as well as clinical diagnostics and forensic medicine.

Keywords: Avidin; Biotin; Biotinylation; Protein A; Streptavidin

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