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Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is a common lab practice which uses antibodies that target specific peptides or protein antigens in the cell via specific epitopes. These bound antibodies can then be detected using one of several methods. ICC allows researchers to evaluate whether or not cells in a particular sample express the antigen in question. In cases where an immunopositive signal is found, ICC also allows researchers to determine which sub-cellular compartments are expressing the antigen.
[edit]Immunocytochemistry vs. immunohistochemistry

Immunocytochemistry differs from immunohistochemistry in that the former is performed on samples of intact cells that have had most, if not all, their surrounding extracellular matrix removed. This includes cells grown within a culture, deposited from suspension, or taken from a smear. In contrast, immunohistochemical samples are sections of tissue, where each cell is surrounded by tissue architecture and other cells normally found in the intact tissue.
[edit]Methods

For more details on immunochemical methods, see immunohistochemistry.
There are many methods to obtain immunological detection on tissues, including those tied directly to primary antibodies or antisera. A direct method involves the use of a detectable tag (e.g., fluorescent molecule, gold particles, etc., ) directly to the antibody that is then allowed to bind to the antigen (e.g., protein) in a cell.
Alternatively, there are many indirect methods. In one such method, the antigen is bound by a primary antibody which is then amplified by use of a secondary antibody which binds to the primary antibody. Next, a tertiary reagent containing an enzymatic moiety is applied and binds to the secondary antibody. When the quarternary reagent, or substrate, is applied, the enzymatic end of the tertiary reagent converts the substrate into a pigment reaction product, which produces a color (many colors are possible;...