Beyond the keyhole perspective: Quantitative and full repertoire imaging of T- and B-cell receptors using next generation sequencing

In this thesis we have demonstrated how next generation sequencing (NGS) can be used to screen the complete T-cell receptor and B-cell receptor (TCR and BCR) repertoires and identify, quantify and follow individual adaptive immune responses through time and place. As none of these objectives could be accomplished with conventional approaches this does move us beyond the keyhole perspective. We - and others - have shown how this technology has numerous applications in fundamental research and in research aimed at understanding infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and lymphoproliferative cancer. Moreover, diagnostic tests leveraging NGS for TCR- and BCR analysis are being developed to aid patients and doctors in clinical decision-making. Therefore these NGS based protocols have the potential to be true game changers in our quest to understand the behavior of lymphocytes that are key players in keeping us healthy.