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= Palaeoimmunology = (link searches for paleo-immunology and paleoimmunology) [may potentially change page title to more frequently searched paleo-immunology]

Paleo-immunology or palaeoimmunology ("paleo"=ancient, "immuno"=referring to immunology) is the analysis using histochemical techniques to look at the matrix proteins in historic and pre-historic materials. Modern immunological assays are used to detect the presence of specific antigens in the sample material. Specimens subject to immunoassays have usually been preserved in a way that has prevented biomolecular targets from degrading. This has either been achieved through natural preservative circumstances, such as accelerated fossilization, or through artificial man made mummification conditions. Regardless of the path taken to achieve this state, preservation has occurred before the denaturing of antigenic targets. The purpose of applying immunological assays to archaeological materials is to better understand the biochemical makeup and composition of these pre-historic samples. Antigenic elements within these materials may reveal information regarding the "life" and "death" of the sample being studied.

File:OetzitheIceman02.jpgSamples from the Tyrolean iceman have been subject to immunofluorescence and Immunocytochemical techniques

delete=[Palaeoimmunology can also refer to the field that studies of the development of the modern immune system through an evolutionary and archaeological lens. The human immune system has developed over time as the precursors to modern day humans interbred with other members of the Homo genus, such as the Neanderthal and Denisovan.]

Examples of use
Paleo-immunology encompasses a variety of immunoassays performed on a diverse array of archaeological materials. Paleo-immunology is a new, growing field that is still being properly defined. Examples of paleo-immunology as they appear in peer reviewed literature are as follows:
 * In 1995, collagen peptides isolated from dinosaur fossils were extracted and analyzed.
 * In 2001, mummified tissues were subjected to immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical techniques in order to study the proteins of the extracellular matrix. This was done to further understand the physiologic and pathologic alteration of preserved prehistoric tissues.
 * In 2011, a palaeoimmunological assay was used to detect the presence of plague antigens in medieval french graves. The researchers used a plague dipstick assay, also know as a "rapid diagnostic test for the plague" (RDT).
 * Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect remanent antigenic structures in preserved sauropod eggshells.
 * The ParaSight-F test has been used to detect malaria antigens in Egyptian mummies.