ABSTRACT
Just as the eclectic science of immunology intersects essentially all of the basic biological sciences, it makes use of many biochemical techniques such as chromatography and protein fractionation. It also employs the newer methods of molecular genetics such as gene sequencing and related techniques. Advances in technology have armed the immunologist with the powerful tools of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies, DNA typing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radiolabeling of immune system molecules. In addition, the time-honored methods of precipitation, agglutination, complement fixation and related techniques have long been used by the immunologist. Since its inception, immunologic science has not only maintained a unique nomenclature but also special techniques that have elucidated some of nature’s most jealously guarded secrets through scientific investigation. Inbred mice, of known genetic constitution, and more recently, transgenic animals including knockout mice, offer new avenues for elucidating some of immunology’s most perplexing conundrums. Great tomes are currently available that describe the myriad immunological techniques now available.
