Immunology Driven by Large-Scale Single-Cell Sequencing

Abstract

The immune system encompasses a large degree of phenotypic diversity and plasticity in its cell types, and more is to be uncovered. We argue that large, multiomic datasets of single-cell resolution, in conjunction with improved computational methods, will be essential to resolving immune cell identity. Existing datasets, combined with 'big data' methodologies, can serve as a platform to support future studies in immunology. Technical and analytical advances in multiomics and spatial integration can provide a reference for gene regulation and cellular interactions in spatially structured tissue contexts. We posit that these developments may allow guided functional studies of immune cell populations and lay the groundwork for informed cell engineering and precision medicine.