TCPGdb: A Comprehensive T-cell Perturbation Genomics Database for the Identification of Critical T-cell Regulators

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Genetic screens identify genes influencing T cell antitumor capabilities.
• Understanding these genetic regulators is crucial for improving T cell-based immunotherapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze and integrate data from multiple genetic screens to identify gene perturbations impacting T cell function.
• To develop a robust metric and database for exploring gene effects on T cell-mediated immunity.

Main Methods:

• Collected and reprocessed data from published CRISPR-based and ORF-based T cell genetic screens.
• Developed a T cell perturbation score (TPS) metric to quantify gene impact.
• Integrated gene expression data from autoimmune and cancer cohorts.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive analysis of 35 T cell screens was performed.
• A T cell perturbation genomics database (TCPGdb) was created.
• The database allows interactive exploration of gene impacts on T cell function.

Conclusions:

• Combining genetic screen data provides a robust analysis of gene perturbations affecting T cell immunotherapies.
• The TCPGdb serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying T cell function and developing novel immunotherapies.