What is immunofluorescence?

Immunofluorescence (IF) is a technique used in microscopy to visualize specific proteins or antigens within cells or tissues. It involves using antibodies that are chemically linked to fluorescent dyes. These antibodies bind to their target antigens, and the fluorescent dye allows researchers to visualize the location and distribution of the target molecules under a fluorescence microscope. IF is commonly used in diagnostics, research, and drug discovery to identify and study various cellular components, infectious agents, and disease markers.