A map of lung cell types

Nature 587, 619–625 (2020)

Single-cell RNA sequencing of approximately 75,000 human lung cells from all lung compartments has allowed the generation of a molecular cell atlas.

Histological data have been an extremely valuable source for defining cell types of the human lung. However, full understanding of lung function and hence any pathologies and disease requires a complete understanding of the various cell types and their interactions.

Krasnow and colleagues analyzed lung tissue that was histologically normal. They carried out single-cell RNA sequencing and used a multi-pronged cell-annotation approach to identify approximately 75,000 cells, defining 58 cell types, including 14 previously unknown ones.