CITE-seq of human immune cells reveals heterogeneity in cellular responses to activation. Homo sapiens

We combined CITEseq with two levels of multiplexing, cell hashing and individuals genotypes, to derive a reference database of immune cell gene/protein responses to different activation conditions. PBMCs from 10 healthy adults were profiled before and after stimulating T cells via antiCD3 and antiCD28 or monocytes via LPS. By using a comprehensive antibody panel of cell type and cell state markers, we discovered that all lymphocytes responded to antiCD3 and antiCD28 stimulation, whereas LPS specifically induced inflammation in monocytes. Pseudotemporal analyses further revealed cell and condition specific heterogeneity in responses to activation that were independent of individual specific variation. Together, these data are shared within an interactive web application and will serve as a resource to guide future studies of immune cell responses.