De novo assembly of immunoglobulin loci linked to full-length single-cell transcriptome of antigen-specific plasmablasts

Abstract

In this study, following an MMR booster, plasmablasts and memory B cells were collected and characterised via scRNA-Seq. In individual cells, we successfully identified and paired full-length heavy and light chains. A subset were synthesised and their antigen-binding potency was evaluated against live virus. Additionally, we sequenced the donor’s germline V/D/J/C genes making up their personalised immune repertoire, with implications for identifying genes in these loci important for mounting a robust immune response. We also found expression differences in genes known to affect the glycosylation phenotype and effector function of antibodies. Our pipeline significantly expands the possibilities of personalised immunology.