Immunochemistry is a branch of immunology which encompasses the use of biochemical and biophysical procedures for the study and use of antibodies. Immunochemical procedures, particularly those using monoclonal antibodies, are widely used for research in many branches of biology and medicine
Research in immunology has had a fundamental impact on the understanding of many important aspects of biology and medicine. This impact has been acknowledged by the award of the Nobel Prize to several immunologists. As early as 1901, von Behring received the Nobel Prize for his work on immunotherapy; this was followed by awards to Paul Ehrlich and Élie Metchnikoff in 1908. Other Nobel laureates include Karl Landsteiner for discovery of the blood groups; Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet and Peter Medawar for work on tolerance; Rodney Porter and Gerald Edelman for the discovery of the biochemical structure of antibodies; Rosalyn Yalow for the development of radioimmunoassay technology; Georges Köhler and César Milstein for development of monoclonal antibody technology; Niels Jerne for work on immune system function; and Tonegawa Susumu for discovering the genetic basis of antibody diversity.
Current research is diverse but includes examination of the roles of cytokines and their receptors in modulating the immune response, and classification of the functions of the various leucocyte types in this process. Identification of subtypes of T-lymphocytes (for example, the so-called TH1 and TH2 populations of “helper” T-cells) which direct the humoral and cellular immune response to mature in different ways by secreting different cytokines and other substances, has initiated a greater understanding of control of the immune system. Refinement of procedures for production of monoclonal antibodies, including the use of recombinant DNA technology, has increased the potential of immunochemical methods. It is hoped that intense activity in the area of vaccine design and production, including the development of DNA vaccines, will lead to better and safer vaccines for the prevention of a wide range of infectious and other diseases