Tissue Pretreatment: Enzyme-Induced Epitope Retrieval (EIER)

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Tissue Pretreatment: Enzyme-Induced Epitope Retrieval (EIER)

Enzyme-induced epitope retrieval (EIER)
There are instances where proteolytic enzymes are the preferred method of tissue pretreatment. Application time and temperature conditions vary from 5-15 minutes and room temperature to 37-40° C. The following proteolytic enzymes are the most commonly used for exposing certain antigen epitopes:
  • 0.1% and 0.25% trypsin, pH 7.6-7.8
  • 0.25% pepsin, pH 2.0
  • Proteinase K
  • Protease XXIV
  • Pronase
Proteolytic enzymes are available in concentrated stock to ready-to-use formats from many commercial sources. Vendors typically provide application instructions. An online Internet search can reveal formulas for the technologist wanting to prepare their own solutions.