A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal
Sketching T cell atlases in the single‐cell era: challenges and recommendations
Authors: Bojović, Itana; Sousa, António GG.; Junttila, Sini; Elo, Laura L.
Publisher: Wiley
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Immunology and Cell Biology
Journal name in source: Immunology & Cell Biology
ISSN: 0818-9641
eISSN: 1440-1711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/imcb.70040
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1111/imcb.70040
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/498667102
Recent advances in single-cell technologies have enabled the creation of comprehensive cell atlases, reference maps of various cell types within organisms. Here we specifically focus on T cell atlases, which offer a detailed catalog of the adaptive immune system at single-cell resolution. As such, they capture cellular diversity, functional states, and spatial dynamics across tissues, developmental stages, and disease conditions. Given the central role of T cells in orchestrating immune responses, their dysregulation underpins autoimmune disorders, cancer progression and failed immunotherapies. Therefore, a unified T cell atlas is critical for decoding such disease mechanisms, identifying therapeutic targets, and advancing personalized treatments. In this article, we explore the latest advances in T cell atlases, describing breakthroughs in multi-omics technologies, spatial profiling and computational frameworks that resolve transcriptional, epigenetic and proteomic heterogeneity. We also address persistent challenges and highlight strategies to address these gaps. Finally, we discuss emerging frontiers set to reshape our understanding of T cell dynamics in both health and diseases. Together, these insights underscore the transformative potential of T cell atlases in reconstructing precision immunology and accelerating therapeutic innovation.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
Enlight-ten+ Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant. Grant Number: 955321. Research Council of Finland. Grant Numbers: 329278, 341342, 364700.