Characterizing Antibodies

Perhaps because they are such commonly used tools, many researchers view antibodies one-dimensionally: Antibody Y binds antigen X. Although few techniques require a comprehensive understanding of any particular antibody’s characteristics, well-executed experiments do require a basic appreciation of what is known and, equally as important, what is not known about the antibody being used. Ignorance of the relevant antibody characteristics critical for a particular assay can easily lead to loss of precious resources (time, money, and limiting amounts of sample) and, in worst-case scenarios, erroneous conclusions. Here, we describe various antibody characteristics to provide a more well-rounded perspective of these critical reagents. With this information, it will be easier to make informed decisions on how best to choose and use the available antibodies, as well as knowing when it is essential and how to determine a particular as yet-undefined characteristic.