New Single-Cell Platform CIPHER-seq Enhances Understanding of Immune Signaling
Researchers have developed a new single-cell sequencing method called CIPHER-seq, which provides a more comprehensive view of immune cell behavior by measuring RNA and proteins simultaneously within the same cell. This method addresses the gap between genetic intent and functional output, particularly in cytokine signaling studies. Traditional RNA sequencing methods often fail to predict protein production accurately, as RNA levels do not always correlate with protein levels. CIPHER-seq, developed by the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, captures multiple molecular layers from a single immune cell, including genome-wide RNA, surface proteins, intracellular proteins, and unreleased cytokines. This approach offers a clearer picture of immune activity, which could aid in designing better immunotherapies and predicting patient responses. 
