Study reveals new genes that program stem cells to make dendritic cells Using a new single-cell technique, WEHI researchers have uncovered a way to understand the programming behind how stem cells make particular cell types. The research uncovered 30 new genes that program stem cells to make the dendritic cells that kick-start the immune response. By uncovering this process, the researchers hope they will be able to find new immunotherapy treatments for cancer, and plan to expand this technique in other areas such as discovering new drug targets in tumour initiation. At a glance WEHI researchers have developed a new single cell method to understand the programming behind what causes stem cells to make particular cell types.