Serology in the 21st century: The molecular-level analysis of the serum antibody repertoire

Yariv Wine, Andrew P. Horton, Gregory C. Ippolito, George Georgiou

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

The ensemble of antibodies found in serum and secretions represents the key adaptive component of B-cell mediated humoral immunity. The antibody repertoire is shaped by the historical record of exposure to exogenous factors such as pathogens and vaccines, as well as by endogenous host-intrinsic factors such as genetics, self-antigens, and age. Thanks to very recent technology advancements it is now becoming possible to identify and quantify the individual antibodies comprising the serological repertoire. In parallel, the advent of high throughput methods for antigen and immunosignature discovery opens up unprecedented opportunities to transform our understanding of numerous key questions in adaptive humoral immunity, including the nature and dynamics of serological memory, the role of polyspecific antibodies in health and disease and how protective responses to infections or vaccine challenge arise. Additionally, these technologies also hold great promise for therapeutic antibody and biomarker discovery in a variety of settings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)89-97
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Opinion in Immunology
Volume35
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Serology in the 21st century: The molecular-level analysis of the serum antibody repertoire'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this