Systems analysis of adaptive immunity by utilization of high-throughput technologies

A new generation of high-throughput technologies for quantitative and clonal analysis of adaptive immune responses have been developed. Functional analysis of lymphocyte populations has been accomplished via microfluidic assay systems. Additionally, lymphocyte receptor repertoires have been characterized on proteomic and genomic levels with multiplexed protein microarrays and high-throughput DNA sequencing. These tools are providing an unprecedented level of information depth on the distribution of adaptive immune cell (B and T cell) functionalities and repertoires, which develop upon activation following vaccination, pathogenic infection, or in disease states. These various high-throughput technologies have unlocked the potential to transform immunology into an information-rich science that will enable rapid expansion of the field of experimental systems immunology.

► We introduce high-throughput technologies for quantitative and systems analysis of adaptive immune responses.
► Singe cell cloning and microengraving techniques provide lymphocyte functional analysis.
► Protein microarrays are used for antigen discovery and the serological antibody profiling.
► Next generation DNA sequencing is utilized to generate an unprecedented level of information depth on immune repertoires.