Single-Cell Genomics: Approaches and Utility in Immunology

Trends Immunol. 2017 Feb;38(2):140-149. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2016.12.001. Epub 2017 Jan 13.

Abstract

Single-cell genomics offers powerful tools for studying immune cells, which make it possible to observe rare and intermediate cell states that cannot be resolved at the population level. Advances in computer science and single-cell sequencing technology have created a data-driven revolution in immunology. The challenge for immunologists is to harness computing and turn an avalanche of quantitative data into meaningful discovery of immunological principles, predictive models, and strategies for therapeutics. Here, we review the current literature on computational analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data and discuss underlying assumptions, methods, and applications in immunology, and highlight important directions for future research.

Keywords: dimensionality reduction; immune repertoire; single-cell RNA-sequencing; visualization.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Allergy and Immunology / trends*
  • Animals
  • Computational Biology
  • Genomics*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Immune System*
  • Immunologic Techniques
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Immunotherapy / trends*
  • Single-Cell Analysis*