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How technical advances changed the concept of antibodies

Swiatczak, Bartlomiej and Greslehner, Gregor P. and Zach, Martin (2024) How technical advances changed the concept of antibodies. Immunological Reviews, 328 (1). pp. 39-48. ISSN 01052896

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Abstract

Shaped by advances in scientific instrumentation and experimental techniques, the concept of antibody has undergone profound transformations throughout the history of immunology. Serological assays, separation techniques, protein fragmentation techniques, molecular biology techniques, and other methodological innovations did not only serve to produce data on the structure and function of these molecules but, by framing antibodies into a unique facet of experimental investigation, were effectively redefining and reconceptualizing these molecules for the scientific community. The characteristics and properties of antibodies observed in experimental settings were often directly extrapolated to their presumed nature in living organisms, as exemplified by the literal identification of antibodies with a gamma electrophoretic fraction in the 1930s. Stemming from parallel advances in related fields such as molecular biology and biochemistry, the introduction of novel techniques was driving shifts in the field of immunology, establishing novel frameworks of theoretical conceptualization and understanding. Technological innovation in experimental techniques continues to shape our view of these molecules, driving progress in both basic immunology and therapeutic applications.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Swiatczak, Bartlomiejbartlomiej.swiatczak@gmail.com0000-0001-6767-3064
Greslehner, Gregor P.gregor.greslehner@gmail.com0000-0002-4072-8229
Zach, Martinzach@flu.cas.cz0000-0001-7181-0391
Keywords: antibodies, history of science, philosophy of science, scientific instruments, conceptual change, technology
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics
Specific Sciences > Medicine > Health and Disease
General Issues > History of Science Case Studies
General Issues > Technology
General Issues > Theory Change
Depositing User: Dr. Gregor P. Greslehner
Date Deposited: 12 May 2026 14:57
Last Modified: 12 May 2026 14:57
Item ID: 29586
Journal or Publication Title: Immunological Reviews
Publisher: Wiley
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/imr.13425
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1111/imr.13425
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology > Molecular Biology/Genetics
Specific Sciences > Medicine > Health and Disease
General Issues > History of Science Case Studies
General Issues > Technology
General Issues > Theory Change
Date: 21 November 2024
Page Range: pp. 39-48
Volume: 328
Number: 1
ISSN: 01052896
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/29586

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