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Conventional CD8αβ participates in the activation of T cells by binding to the same peptide-MHC complex as does the TCR. A recent paper in Science shows, however, that the CD8αα form on iIELs binds TL and could alter signals from the TCR.
Spacial organization of membrane components can facilitate productive interactions between T cells and APCs. New data suggest that specific peptides are clustered within APC tetraspan microdomains that are more efficient in evoking T cell responses.
Multiple regulatory cascades control inflammatory gene expression. The responsive loci need to be prepared to bind the inducing regulatory factors, and such changes can be invoked by p38-dependent histone modification.
Activation of T cells requires TCR engagement of foreign peptide complexed with MHC. New evidence suggests that TCR engagement of self-peptide–MHC complexes may enhance recognition of foreign antigen.
Distinguishing which antigen-specific T cell clones will give rise to secondary immune responses is a subject of debate. New data shows higher affinity T cells are better competitors because they are activated more efficiently and can induce the loss of peptide-MHC from DCs.
Natural killer cells have been arbitrarily defined using a number of different phenotypic and functional criteria. We asked Lorenzo Moretta if we have truly discovered the core identity of this critical player in eliciting immune responses.