Leica Biosystems is a global company involved in workflow solutions for pathology laboratories, from biopsy to diagnosis. With a history in microscopy and imaging, the company has expanded into developing and manufacturing reagents, including a wide range of antibodies for research and clinical applications. This portfolio supports scientists and pathologists by helping to visualize and identify specific markers within tissue samples. The company’s mission is to advance cancer diagnostics to improve patient lives.
Core Antibody Offerings
Leica Biosystems provides a menu of antibodies through its Novocastra brand, including both primary and secondary types. Primary antibodies are designed to bind directly to a specific protein or antigen of interest within a tissue sample. Secondary antibodies are then used to bind to the primary antibodies. This indirect method amplifies the signal, making the target protein easier to detect and visualize under a microscope.
The antibody catalog is categorized into monoclonal and polyclonal options, each offering distinct characteristics. Monoclonal antibodies originate from a single cell clone and recognize one specific part of an antigen, resulting in high specificity and consistency. Polyclonal antibodies come from multiple cell clones and can recognize several parts of the same antigen. This can increase the overall signal and is beneficial when the target has slight variations.
Applications in Research and Diagnostics
Leica’s antibodies are primarily used in imaging techniques that visualize proteins directly within tissue architecture. A prominent technique is Immunohistochemistry (IHC), which identifies specific antigens in preserved tissue sections. In IHC, an antibody binds to its target protein, and a subsequent chemical reaction produces a colored stain at the protein’s location. This method is widely used in pathology to help diagnose diseases like cancer.
Immunofluorescence (IF) is a similar technique that also uses antibodies to label proteins in tissue but with a different detection method. Instead of a colored stain, the antibodies in IF are linked to fluorescent molecules that emit light when excited by a specific wavelength. This allows researchers to see the precise location of proteins, often in multiple colors on a single slide, using a fluorescence microscope. Leica’s antibodies are optimized for these imaging applications for both research and diagnostics.
Leica’s antibodies are used across 14 different pathology areas, supporting a wide range of diagnostic needs. For instance, the company offers an FDA-cleared panel of antibodies for Mismatch Repair (MMR) protein status, which is used in screening colorectal cancer patients for Lynch syndrome. This panel helps clinicians make accurate assessments of protein status in a relatively short time.
Integration with Leica Systems
A defining feature of Leica’s antibody portfolio is its integration with the company’s automated instrumentation, like the BOND series of stainers. Many antibodies are offered in a “Ready-to-Use” (RTU) format, pre-diluted and optimized for these platforms. This format eliminates variability from manual preparation, reduces human error, and saves time for laboratory staff. Using these pre-optimized antibodies with automated protocols helps laboratories achieve more consistent staining results.
The BOND systems, including the BOND-III and BOND-MAX models, use advanced detection technologies with the antibodies. For example, the BOND Polymer Refine Detection system is a biotin-free, polymer-based system that enhances tissue penetration and reagent sensitivity. This leads to clear visualization of the target, as the antibodies, detection chemistry, and instrumentation are developed to work together for reliable staining.
Antibody Validation and Quality Assurance
Leica Biosystems emphasizes the validation and quality of its antibodies to ensure they perform reliably. Antibody validation is the process of rigorously testing an antibody to confirm it binds specifically to its intended target protein without binding to other molecules. This process is necessary for generating trustworthy results, as a non-specific antibody can lead to incorrect conclusions in research and clinical settings.
The company develops and manufactures many of its Novocastra antibodies in-house, which allows for control over the entire production and testing process. Each antibody within the Novocastra HD line is also independently evaluated by external quality assurance schemes against other market leaders. This provides an objective measure of performance and gives users confidence in the staining results.