CURRENT ISSUE

Review

Innate immune modulation by RNA viruses: emerging insights from functional genomics

Michael G. Katze, Jamie L. Fornek, Robert E. Palermo, Kathie–Anne Walters and Marcus J. Korth

By providing a global view of the host response to infection, functional genomic approaches are proving useful in deciphering complex virus–host interactions. Here, the authors reveal how such approaches are being used to better understand viral triggering and regulation of host innate immune responses.

CURRENT ISSUE

Review

Genome–wide association studies: a new window into immune–mediated diseases

Ramnik J. Xavier and John D. Rioux

With the identification of more disease–susceptibility genes than ever before, 2007 is thought of by many human geneticists as the year of genome–wide association studies. In this Review, the authors discuss how this powerful approach continues to reveal new information about the susceptibility and pathogenesis of several immune–mediated diseases.

CURRENT ISSUE

Review

WNT signalling in the immune system: WNT is spreading its wings

Frank J. T. Staal, Tiago C. Luis & Machteld M. Tiemessen

This Review covers the recently discovered roles of WNT proteins in the regulation of haematopoietic stem–cell fate, T– and B–cell development and activation, and dendritic–cell maturation. These new immunohaematological functions of WNT proteins have implications for the development of haematological malignancies.

CURRENT ISSUE

Review

Impact of MHC class I diversity on immune control of immunodeficiency virus replication

Philip J. R. Goulder & David I. Watkins

The outcome of HIV infection is strongly influenced by the particular HLA genes expressed by the infected individual. Here, the authors draw on this association to evaluate what might constitute an effective CD8⁺ T–cell response and how it might guide vaccine design.

CURRENT ISSUE

Progress

New roles for TIM family members in immune regulation

Vijay K. Kuchroo, Valerie Dardalhon, Sheng Xiao & Ana C. Anderson

The TIM (T–cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain) proteins are emerging as important regulators of immune responses. The recent identification of TIM–protein expression by antigen–presenting cells and new TIM–protein ligands is revealing new roles for these proteins.

CURRENT ISSUE

Research Highlights

• 

  T–cell activation:

  Adaptive cholesterol

• HIV:

  Editing HIV entry

• Inflammation:

  A crucial cut