The objective of the tutorial is to make each student perform an ELISA to detect the presence and quantify an antibody in a particular solution. For the tutorial, the solution is hybridoma medium as an alternative for pastient derived blood samples. Performing the ELISA will demonstrate how a typical assay is performed and how each step contributes to the final result and the accuracy that is obtained. It will make clear what the power of such antibody-based assays is and how accuracy and sensitivity in assays is determined and affected.
Prerequisiti
The students will be introduced to the ELISA experiment they will perform during the tutorial. ELISA is one of the most common antibody-based detection method used in diagnostic laboratories and in clinical research. However, to fully grasp and appreciate the tutorial, an understanding of what antibodies are together with and understanding of immunity and disease in general, acquired from the Immunology and General Pathology modules, is required.
Metodi didattici
Frontal teaching for the introduction and in-person supervision within the laboratory
Verifica Apprendimento
The introduction in aula and tutorial in the teaching laboratory will give plenty of time and opportunity for questions and curiosities. We aim at providing an safe, inviting and inspiring learning environment.
Testi
General sources on antibodies and their use in antibody-based detection assays.
Contenuti
The student will perform an ELISA assay using raw materials that include: - recombinant protein antigens - purified antibodies - HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies - laboratory tools (pippettes, plates, spectrophotometer, etc.) - analysis using EXCEL on the student's computer or those in the informatics lecture theatre
