Experts Speak Forum: Implementation of the FAIR Principles in Biobanking Needs Fair Incentives.

While the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles are primarily concerned with data, samples can also be considered a distinct category of data. In light of these considerations, the FAIR principles represent a major challenge for biobanks, as discussed in detail in two recently published studies. We invited seven experts with diverse backgrounds to share their views on these studies and the FAIR principles in general.

Multiomics approaches disclose very-early molecular and cellular switches during insect-venom allergen-specific immunotherapy: an observational study.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) induces immune tolerance, showing the highest success rate (>95%) for insect venom while a much lower chance for pollen allergy. However, the molecular switches leading to successful durable tolerance restoration remain elusive. The primary outcome of this observational study is the comprehensive immunological cellular characterization during the AIT initiation phase, whereas the secondary outcomes are the serological and Th2-cell-type-specific transcriptomic analyses.

Ice recrystallization inhibitors enable efficient cryopreservation of induced pluripotent stem cells: A functional and transcriptomic analysis.

The successful use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for research or clinical applications requires the development of robust, efficient, and reproducible cryopreservation protocols. After cryopreservation, the survival rate of iPSCs is suboptimal and cell line-dependent. We assessed the use of ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) for cryopreservation of human iPSCs.

State of the art and the future of microbiome-based biomarkers: a multidisciplinary Delphi consensus.

Although microbiome signatures have been identified in various contexts (ie, pathogenesis of non-communicable diseases and treatment response), qualified microbiome-based biomarkers are currently not in use in clinical practice. The Human Microbiome Action consortium initiated a Delphi survey to establish a consensus on the needs, challenges, and limitations in developing qualified microbiome-based biomarkers. The questionnaire was developed by a scientific committee via literature review and expert interviews.