Figure 1.

Systems vaccinology approach in a pre‐clinical setting. A biological system can range from a single cell to the complete human body consisting of different levels such as genes, proteins, cells, tissues and organs that interact with each other. The biological processes in these levels have distinct time‐ and space‐resolved kinetics. Information on the immune status can be acquired by analysis at the molecular level of the actors (i.e. gene expression, protein synthesis, lipid secretion and production of metabolites), or by determining the changes in cellular composition and morphology. To study the relationship and interaction between all distinct levels of a biological system, a comprehensive approach is required, using multiple analytical techniques. Data, preferably obtained during a time course of the same subject, are combined for further analysis. Network analysis (e.g. Cytoscape) is performed to determine co‐expression profiles, indicating interdependence. Functional analysis is executed in public databases, e.g. DAVID (http://www.david.ncifcrf.gov), STRING (http://www.string-db.org), BioGPS (http://www.biogps.org), and Interferome (http://www.interferome.org). Combined data form a response profile for a vaccine. Vaccine profiles can be compared with other vaccine or infection profiles and used for multiple applications as mentioned in Table 1.