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The unfolded-protein response (UPR) protects cells from stress induced by the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. As discussed here, an important role for the UPR has recently been described in the immune system, dysregulation of which could potentially contribute to autoimmunity.
Recent advances in imaging techniques have allowed researchers to 'spy' on T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) as they interact in intact lymph nodes. In this Review, Philippe Bousso discusses how these studies have provided new insights into the processes that underlie T-cell activation by DCs.
Vitamins have long been known to have an effect on the immune system. In this Review, the authors describe the effects of vitamins, particularly of vitamins A and D, on immune cells, and discuss how vitamins or their analogues might be applied for the therapy of immune-mediated diseases.
This Review focuses on recently described regulatory mechanisms that fine-tune T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling. Such mechanisms, which are rapid and intrinsic to the TCR signalosome, may explain how the TCR can discriminate true ligands from background noise and induce an appropriate T-cell response.
The immunological synapse formed between a natural killer cell and its target cell facilitates the coordinated and directional delivery of lytic granules to the cell–cell interface. Jordan Orange describes how this occurs and discusses the insights gained from studies of human genetic diseases.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in the clinic to treat some human conditions, but what effect do they have on the immune system? This article describes the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs and discusses how these findings can be translated to the clinic.
Sex-based differences in immune responses can influence the susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases and the efficacy of therapeutic drugs. In this Perspective, Eleanor Fish discusses factors, such as X-linked genes, hormones and societal context, that underlie disparate immune responses in men and women.
