By integrating single-cell, proteomic, genetic, clinical, and laboratory data, the team found that these cells adopt molecular features also seen in established autoimmune diseases. The findings help explain how viral infections can disrupt immune regulation and may provide a framework for understanding and eventually preventing autoimmune complications following infection.
Researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology have developed a powerful new platform that can identify and deeply profile antigen-specific CD4+ T cells at unprecedented scale and resolution. Published in Nature Communications, the work could help accelerate vaccine design, improve immune monitoring, and advance next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
Scientists at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) reveal how T cells “decide” their fate in fighting infections like COVID-19, paving the way for improved treatments for infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Infection, autoimmunity and cancer account for 40 percent of deaths worldwide. In a Cell Reports paper, ISB researchers detail how the human immune system works in common ways across diseases – findings that offer promising avenues for exploring multi-disease therapeutic strategies.