Shedding light on IBD by studying primary immunodeficiency

Patients with primary immune deficiency who present with intestinal inflammation may be telling us something about the dysregulation that arises in inflammatory bowel disease. See page 482

A new link between NOD2 and autophagy

Strober and Watanabe review the latest data regarding NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2) and the mechanism through which it enhances innate immune function. They also discuss how this new information might be related to onset of autoimmunity. See page 484

IL-33/ST2 and ulcerative colitis

The cytokine field is hot with news about interleukin-33 and its receptor ST2. Seidelin and colleagues review what is known about this T helper type 2 cell–like mediator in patients with ulcerative colitis and discuss potential therapeutic strategies. See page 496

Myeloid-derived regulatory cell subsets control lung inflammation

This study identifies three new subsets of myeloid-derived regulatory cells that have the ability to inhibit or exacerbate inflammatory responses in the lung. See page 503

Dust mites regulate DC-SIGN and DC differentiation

The authors demonstrate that monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p)-sensitized mice exhibit decreased expression of DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN). Exposure to Der p also inhibited DC differentiation and influenced cytokine production. See page 519

Muscling in on mucosal vaccines

A novel intramuscular vaccine strategy using adenovirus type 5 can elicit strong CD8 T-cell responses that recirculate to provide protection at the gut surface. See page 528

Induction of HIV-specific IgA protects the mucosa

Jain and Rosenthal found that immunization with a highly conserved gp41 epitope, QARVLAVERY, can successfully induce potent HIV-specific immunoglobulin A that offers protection from infection and transcytosis. See page 539

Altering the gut flora in HIV patients

Prebiotic treatment in highly active antiretroviral therapy–naive HIV-infected individuals alters the gut microbiota and influences the composition and function of immune cells. See page 554

Molecular features of Wegener’s granulomatosis

Gene expression profiling of inflamed nasal tissue reveals a molecular signature that sets patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis apart from those with other inflammatory conditions. See page 564

Endocannabinoids in IBD

An analysis of patients with inflammatory bowel disease revealed reduced endocannabinoid-agonist expression in the intestinal tissues. Treatment of biopsies in organ culture with artificial agonists reduced proinflammatory cytokines. See page 574