Imaging cell‐cell interactions with bioluminescent probes

Cell‐cell contacts and interactions drive numerous physiological processes, including immune function, neurotransmission, and cell migration. Breakdowns in cell‐to‐cell communication also underlie numerous pathologies. While cellular interactions play key roles in human health and disease, the mechanisms by which cells transact information in vivo are not completely understood. The number of cells types involved, the timing and location of their interactions, the molecular cues exchanged, and the long‐term fates of the cells remain poorly characterized in most cases. This is due, in part, to a lack of tools for observing collections of cells in their native habitats. My group is developing novel bioluminescent probes to “spy” on cells and decipher their communications in vivo . In one area, we are crafting bioluminescent probes for multi‐cellular imaging in whole organisms. In a second realm, we are generating tools that selectively illuminate cell‐cell contacts. These imaging strategies will be discussed, along with their application in mapping immune cell interactions with tumor tissue and disseminated pathogens.