A three dimensional immunolabeling method with peroxidase-fused nanobodies and fluorochromized tyramide-glucose oxidase signal amplification

Three dimensional immunohistochemistry (3D-IHC), immunolabeling of 3D tissues, reveals the spatial organization of molecular and cellular assemblies in the context of the tissue architecture. Deep and rapid penetration of antibodies into 3D tissues and highly sensitive detection are critical for high-throughput imaging analysis of immunolabeled 3D tissues. Here, we report a nanobody (nAb)-based 3D-IHC, POD-nAb/FT-GO 3D-IHC, for high-speed and high-sensitive detection of targets within 3D tissues. Peroxidase-fused nAbs (POD-nAbs) enhanced immunolabeling depth and allowed for highly sensitive detection by combined with a fluorescent tyramide signal amplification system, Fluorochromized Tyramide-Glucose Oxidase (FT-GO). Multiplex labeling was implemented to the 3D-IHC by quenching POD with sodium azide. Using the 3D-IHC technique, we successfully visualized somata and processes of neuronal and glial cells in millimeter-thick mouse brain tissues within three days. Given its high-speed and high-sensitive detection, our 3D-IHC protocol, POD-nAb/FT-GO 3D-IHC, would provide a useful platform for histochemical analysis in 3D tissues.