Volume 10 Issue 11, November 2010

Spatial and temporal regulation of TLR9 signalling determines response pathway.

The anti-apoptotic protein MCL1 is crucial for germinal centre B cell responses.

Activation of BATF by PD1 contributes to T cell exhaustion in HIV infection.

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) activates the NLRP3 inflammasome for IL-1β production.

Inflammatory responses generate endogenous TLR2 ligands that promote angiogenesis.

T_H17 cells form contacts with neurons in EAE, resulting in neuronal dysfunction.

Adipose tissue macrophages contribute to mopping up excess lipids during weight loss.

A systemic acute-phase protein and crosstalk with NKT cells modulate neutrophil activity.

Biphasic MAPK signalling discriminates between safe and dangerous forms of fungi.

The mechanisms by which local antigen-presenting cells, such as myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells and hepatocytes, mediate tolerance to antigens metabolized in the liver are described here. These insights into hepatic tolerance may be harnessed in the clinic for the treatment of various diseases.

Binding of antigen to the B cell receptor (BCR) on the cell surface results in B cell activation. But how is the information that antigen binding by a BCR has occurred translated across the cell membrane to trigger signalling cascades? And what are the implications for B cell tumorigenesis and autoimmunity?

Natural IgM has many roles in the immune system, from protection against infection to regulating autoimmunity. The authors discuss the pleiotropic properties of natural IgM, and the implications for B cell-targeted therapy.

When designing the best delivery system for a vaccine, a lot can be learnt from viruses. Here the authors propose that vaccines that mimic key properties of viruses induce optimal immune responses with minimal harmful side effects.

The ITN was founded in 1999 with the goal of achieving “... a robust state of immune tolerance in the absence of ongoing immunotherapy while maintaining a competent immune system”. What are the challenges that have been met along the way and the lessons learnt for future translational research?