A Customizable Tyramide Signal Amplification-Based Multiplex Immunofluorescence Protocol for FFPE Tissues

Wenjie Sheng, T. M. Mohiuddin, Chaoyu Zhang, C Zhang, Marwah Al-Rawe, Lutz Konrad, Steffen Wagner, Felix Zeppernick, Ivo Meinhold‐Heerlein, Ahmad Fawzi Hussain
Current issues in molecular biology · 2026 · vol. 48(5) , pp. 439 · doi:10.3390/cimb48050439 · PMID:42193044 · W7155362764
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This study describes a kit-independent, customizable tyramide signal amplification multiplex immunofluorescence protocol for FFPE tissues using HRP-conjugated antibodies and tyramide-fluorophore reagents.

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Abstract

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues represent an invaluable resource for both basic and clinical research due to their stable preservation of tissue architecture and molecular integrity. Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) using tyramide signal amplification (TSA) enables the simultaneous detection of multiple antigens within a single FFPE section. Here, we describe a kit-independent and customizable TSA-based mIF protocol that utilizes commercially available horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated secondary antibodies and tyramide-fluorophore reagents. The method was applied using FFPE endometriosis tissue, targeting estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), CD20 and CD31. Each staining round was followed by heat-induced epitope removal (HIER) of the bound antibodies while preserving covalently deposited signals. Fluorescence imaging was performed using a multi-channel slide scanner with carefully selected fluorophores to enable optical separation between detection channels. Under the conditions described, the protocol enabled clear visualization of maker-specific staining patterns with preserved tissue morphology. This study provides a practical and flexible TSA-based mIF protocol as a qualitative proof of concept, offering an accessible alternative to commercial kit-based approaches. Further studies will be required to establish quantitative performance and a broader applicability across tissue types.

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endometriosis

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europepmc
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openalex
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