Question

What type of microscopy would allow you to localize the autoantibodies binding to type XVII collagen?

A) Immunocytochemistry (immunofluorescence)
B) Light microscopy with Giemsa stain
C) Light microscopy with H&E
D) SEM

Answer 1

Immunocytochemistry (immunofluorescence) is the best method to localize autoantibodies binding to type XVII collagen as it allows for specific labeling and visualization of the antibody-antigen interaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

To localize the autoantibodies binding to type XVII collagen, the best type of microscopy to use is Immunocytochemistry (immunofluorescence). This technique utilizes antibodies that are labeled with fluorochromes, which glow under a fluorescence microscope. By using either direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) or indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), one can observe the antibodies as they bind to their specific antigen targets, in this case, the type XVII collagen. Other methods such as light microscopy with Giemsa stain, H&E, or SEM do not label antibodies specifically and thus will not effectively visualize the binding of autoantibodies to their target.