The Immunology Podcast

Ep. 125: “Single-Cell Genomics” Featuring Dr. Ido Amit

Feb 25, 2026
Guest
Ido Amit
Dr. Ido Amit, a Weizmann Institute leader in single-cell genomics, describes the rise of single-cell approaches and why immunology is ideal for them. He discusses discovering disease-associated cell subsets, mapping cellular continua and trajectories, and why sampling many cells often beats ultra-deep reads. He also covers experiment design, in vivo perturbations, and targeted delivery to tissues.
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INSIGHT

Immune Cells Live On Dynamic Trajectories

  • Single-cell genomics revealed that immune cells exist on dynamic trajectories rather than fixed types.
  • Ido Amit explained that sequencing many cells lets you quantify transitions and states that flow between canonical identities like Th1/Th2.
ANECDOTE

From EGFR Microarrays To Single-Cell Immunology

  • Ido Amit traced his interest in large-scale genomics to PhD work using microarrays on EGFR feedback regulators.
  • That early seven-microarray time-course taught him to pursue high-throughput, quantitative approaches in immunology.
INSIGHT

Immunology Already Had Most Major Cell Types Mapped

  • Despite expectations, single-cell studies found relatively few truly novel canonical immune cell types; immunology's prior work was surprisingly complete.
  • Amit highlighted discoveries like disease-associated microglia and NORN as notable exceptions amid overall continuity.
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