The IBEX knowledge-base a community resource enabling adoption and development of immunofluorescence imaging methods

Elife. 2026 Jan 23:14:RP105737. doi: 10.7554/eLife.105737.

Abstract

The iterative bleaching extends multiplexity (IBEX) Knowledge-Base is a central portal for researchers adopting IBEX and related 2D and 3D immunofluorescence imaging methods. The design of the Knowledge-Base is modeled after efforts in the open-source software community and includes three facets: a development platform (GitHub), static website, and service for data archiving. The Knowledge-Base facilitates the practice of open science throughout the research life cycle by providing validation data for recommended and non-recommended reagents, such as primary and secondary antibodies. In addition to reporting negative data, the Knowledge-Base empowers method adoption and evolution by providing a venue for sharing protocols, videos, datasets, software, and publications. A dedicated discussion forum fosters a sense of community among researchers while addressing questions not covered in published manuscripts. Together, scientists from around the world are advancing scientific discovery at a faster pace, reducing wasted time and effort, and instilling greater confidence in the resulting data.

Keywords: cell biology; human; mouse; multiplexed optical imaging; open science; reagent validation; rhesus macaque; spatial biology; xenopus; zebrafish.

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique* / methods
  • Humans
  • Knowledge Bases*
  • Software

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