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Although most immunologists do not routinely combine experiments with theoretical and mathematical modeling, new insights can be gained from this interdisciplinary approach. But what makes a good theoretical model?
Early B cell development faces a critical checkpoint at the pro-B → pre-B transition stage, at which proper assembly and surface expression of an immunoglobulin heavy chain is somehow signaled by the pre-B cell receptor. Triggering of this signal might not require exogenous ligands.
Calcineurin is negatively regulated by calcipressin 1. Analysis of calcipressin-deficient mice shows that survival of T helper type 1 cells is dependent on calcipressin, demonstrating another function for the regulation of calcineurin activity in T cells.
Growing evidence indicates immune and nervous systems use common mechanisms to mediate intercellular communication. Adding to this list is the discovery that dendritic cells modulate T cell interactions through expression of the neuronal receptor plexin-A1, which is regulated by the transcriptional activator CIITA.
Members of the Toll-like receptor–interleukin 1 receptor superfamily signal inflammatory responses. However, a member of this family is now shown to modulate these responses by acting as a negative regulator.
Interferon-α/β proteins are vital for innate immune responses to viruses. The tumor suppressor p53 mediates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. A recent study in Nature reports that interferon-α/β stimulates p53 synthesis, demonstrating a hitherto unrecognized link.