Omics in immunology

The term “Omics” broadly refers to a set of genomics technologies that are utilized in cellular and molecular biology investigate (DNA, RNA), protein epigenetics signatures. Omics study both host pathogens, across many disciplines such as immunology, oncology cell biology. With the high-throughput development new bioinformatics tools, these approaches have significantly contributed our understanding how mechanisms determine structure, function dynamics organisms. large growing volume data generated with approaches, has become an integral part research notably immunology microbiology. Large omics sets now also important components clinical translational research. For instance, databases gene expression, somatic mutations networks can be used predict disease outcome or develop diagnostic tools. In this Special Feature, four reviews describe some most prominent applications applications. These articles exemplify vast work occurred last two decades on application medical basic science research, objective provide reader introductory view current state art. T-cell receptors formed from complex genes undergoing homologous recombination, it been result very long evolutionary processes. receptor drives one sophisticated weapons immune system against pathogens. Understanding is ongoing subject investigation since their discovery sequence early 1980s.1 review Watkins Miles 2 brings up speed sequencing enabled predictive analyses immunology. Autoimmunity: High-throughput impacted autoimmune disorders, possibility screen sample size identify genetic variants full genome. Field 3 reports challenges arose detection pathogenic discusses future toward personalized medicine. Single-cell multi-omics: decade, single-cell permitted unprecedented biological complexity heterogeneity, immunology.4 Advances microfluidics other allowed individual cells, thus removing unwanted noise arising analysis heterogenous populations. More recently, simultaneous multiple modalities within same cells utilizing more than omic technology. Louie Luciani 5 recent advances multi-omics near may shaped by technologies. technology clinic: setting, shown considerable promise. From patient stratification therapeutic selection realization medicine, beginning fundamentally alter way we approach studies Giles et al.6 oncology, along ethical practical currently constraining adoption. increasingly becoming essential specifically generation numerous human introducing need for large, centralized repositories, Human Cell Atlas genomics.7 Bioinformatics integration providing foundation address unanswered questions including heterogeneity processes types, translated into treatment interventions. represent key examples being addressed directions will shape next decade Samuel Foster: Conceptualization. Fabio Luciani: Conceptualization; Writing-original draft; Writing-review & editing. authors declare no conflict interest article.