Intermediate filaments. Efficacy in surgical pathologic diagnosis.

The use of antibodies specific for the various types of intermediate filament proteins has become an important part of the immunohistochemical approach to surgical pathology. These proteins are expressed in a cell lineage-specific pattern, which is reproduced with great fidelity even in poorly differentiated neoplasms. The historic discovery, embryology, and structure of these proteins are reviewed. A brief discussion of the major applications and precautions in the choice and use of these antibodies is presented.