iWAS--A novel approach to analyzing Next Generation Sequence data for immunology

Cell Immunol. 2016 Jan:299:6-13. doi: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2015.10.012. Epub 2015 Nov 2.

Abstract

In this communication we describe a novel way to use Next Generation Sequence from the receptors expressed on T and B cells. This informatics methodology is named iWAS, for immunonome Wide Association Study, where we use the immune receptor sequences derived from T and B cells and the features of those receptors (sequences themselves, V/J gene usage, length and character each of the CDR3 sub-regions) to define biomarkers of health and disease, as well as responses to therapies. Unlike GWAS, which do not provide immediate access to mechanism, the associations with immune receptors immediately suggest possible and plausible entrée's into disease pathogenesis and treatment.

Keywords: Association study; Immune receptors; Repertoire; V(D)J recombination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing*
  • Immunologic Techniques / methods*
  • Informatics*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • V(D)J Recombination / genetics

Substances

  • Receptors, Cell Surface