The lab of Savaş Tay has developed a new method to quantitatively probe single-cell input-output dynamics via automated microfluidic systems, featured on the cover of Cell Reports. Work conducted by the Tay lab aims to understand innate pathogen responses by dynamically measuring multiple immune functions at a single-cell level. This strategy takes into account true, noisy, and heterogeneous reactions, which are often overlooked in conventional assays but are critical to the correct function of immunity.
To obtain these measurements, they place cells inside custom-built microdevices that allow for culture and experimentation at a single-cell level within highly controllable and measurable environments. Their latest work integrates readouts of transcription factor activation, cytokine secretion, and gene expression to provide a dynamic, multidimensional window into how the immune system reacts to pathogenic challenges. The modeling and data gathered from this effort have revealed mechanisms that first responder cells like macrophages use to modulate the signals they pass on to the body after sensing a threat.