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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.
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.
By sensing viral nucleic acids and producing type I interferons, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are key mediators of antiviral immunity. But pDCs might also contribute to autoimmune disease by responding to self nucleic acids. Here, pDC mechanisms of action and modes of regulation are reviewed.
The pathways of antigen processing and presentation are well known, but how do antigens gain access to MHC molecules in dendritic cells and what is the role of autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum dislocation and Toll-like receptors in these pathways?
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.
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.
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.
