INseq is a new technology that evaluates intracellular protein activity and RNAseq at the single-cell level, allowing for integrated profiling of signaling pathways, transcription factor combinations, and metabolic activity. Using INseq, researchers defined myeloid responses to LPS signaling, profiled Tregs, profiled the interplay between TCF7 and ID2 in controlling the CD8+ T cell states, and identified two distinct Arg1+Trem2+ suppressive myeloid cell subsets (TAMs and Mregs). Knockout of Trem2 in mice prevented the accumulation of Mregs in tumors, decreased dysfunction in CD8+ T cells, and reduced tumor growth.

Contributed by Lauren Hitchings

ABSTRACT: Cell function and activity are regulated through integration of signaling, epigenetic, transcriptional, and metabolic pathways. Here, we introduce INs-seq, an integrated technology for massively parallel recording of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and intracellular protein activity. We demonstrate the broad utility of INs-seq for discovering new immune subsets by profiling different intracellular signatures of immune signaling, transcription factor combinations, and metabolic activity. Comprehensive mapping of Arginase 1-expressing cells within tumor models, a metabolic immune signature of suppressive activity, discovers novel Arg1 + Trem2 + regulatory myeloid (Mreg) cells and identifies markers, metabolic activity, and pathways associated with these cells. Genetic ablation of Trem2 in mice inhibits accumulation of intra-tumoral Mreg cells, leading to a marked decrease in dysfunctional CD8 + T cells and reduced tumor growth. This study establishes INs-seq as a broadly applicable technology for elucidating integrated transcriptional and intra-cellular maps and identifies the molecular signature of myeloid suppressive cells in tumors.

Author Info: (1) Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. (2) Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israe

Author Info: (1) Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. (2) Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel. (3) Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. Electronic address: assaf.weiner@weizmann.ac.il. (4) Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot 76100, Israel. Electronic address: ido.amit@weizmann.ac.il.