Intro

Question 1

Why should we study single cells?

Answer 1

Biological systems are composed of heterogeneous cell types in which minority cell populations play important roles:

• In many tumors, only a small fraction (typically <1%) of molecularly distinct cells called “Cancer Stem Cells” have the capacity for self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Understanding these cells has an enormous therapeutic potential.
• A minority of tissue-specific stem cell populations are responsible for tissue development, regeneration and repair.
• The immune system is a classic example for the need of single cell technologies, because its dynamic cellular heterogeneity is essential for fighting off the variety of attacking pathogens.
• Understanding tissue heterogeneity

Question 2

What is the definition of immunotherapy?

Answer 2

A type of treatment in which the immune system is modulated (enhanced or suppressed) with the ultimate goal of curing/alleviating a disease