Immuno-Nanoparticles for Multiplex Protein Imaging in Cells and Tissues

Abstract

Simultaneous visualization of numerous proteins in cells and tissues is fundamental for understanding their diversity and dynamics and to address the heterogeneity of human diseases. Despite the many advantages of multiplex analysis, current methods typically rely upon immunohistochemistry, which can only be used to detect a few proteins. The exceptional optical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) have improved multiplex imaging in cells and tissues. Here, we review recent advances in multiplex imaging-based molecular diagnosis using antibody-conjugated NPs (immuno-NPs). With the aim of furthering development, we anticipate that NP-based multiplex imaging techniques will complement classical immunohistochemistry methods and provide insight into the biological diversity of cells and tissues.