Abstract

An Integrated Microfluidic Platform for Multi-Dimensional Analysis and Multi-Omic Classifications of Effector Immune Cell Functions

Tali Konry, Assistant Professor, Northeastern University

The outcome of many pathological diseases such as infection and cancer is determined by the interaction of diseased cells with various immune cell subsets, both of which are phenotypically and functionally diverse. Induced resistance to chemo- and immuno-therapeutic drugs remain one of the main challenges in modern medicine. Moreover, there exists significant inter-patient and even intra-patient variability in response to well-established drug regimens, making it difficult to predict a patient’s response to applied treatments. Single-cell analysis techniques have great potential in revealing, and ultimately utilizing, patient-specific cellular information to devise a more personalized approach to therapeutic regimens. Towards this goal we have developed a platform technology for characterizing single cell response, cell-cell communication and novel drug/immunotherapy targets in various diseases and overall could be beneficial in improving the efficacy of antibody drug therapy and develop effective drug combinations.