Why PNI scientists need to engage in exploratory hypothesis-generating biomarker studies

Abstract

Multi-omics research is developing rapidly, offering extensive sample analysis options and advanced statistical solutions to identify and understand complex networks of biomarkers. This review encourages groups in the psychoneuroimmunology field with limited experience in omics research to embrace these advances. Cross-sectional studies can leverage existing sample collections to provide unique information that complements longitudinal studies, providing insights into which biological systems may warrant further investigation and building fundamental mechanistic knowledge of biological networks. The understanding of immune-brain interactions should inform ongoing developments in exploratory, hypothesis-generating research. Disregarding psychoneuroimmunological aspects may have led to challenges in some prior biomarker research. Moving forward, a more nuanced perspective on inflammation and psychological comorbidity is needed. The first steps in the conceptualization of an explorative cross-sectional omics study are discussed from a pragmatic perspective, highlighting who we choose to study and what we choose to measure.