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Physiological tolerance of natural killer (NK) cells to self tissues is believed to require the expression of at least one inhibitory receptor specific for self MHC. This dogma may require revision with the identification of self-tolerant NK cells lacking self MHC–specific receptors.
Among the concerns surrounding genetically modified crops has been the possibility of expressing within a plant new proteins that may be allergenic. Using available technology, practical approaches have been adopted to help prevent the creation of foods that are allergenic.
Stimulation of the vagus nerve via the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor can dampen macrophage function. This anti-inflammatory pathway seems to signal through the Jak2-STAT3 pathway.
Toll-like receptors are crucial in modulating immune responses. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 is involved in Toll-like receptor signaling and regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines and septic shock.
Cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems often require signals emanating from diverse cell surface receptors for full activation. For dendritic cells, synergistic stimulation by different pairs of Toll-like receptors provides the host with a mechanism to react rapidly and specifically to different pathogens.
Contrary to results of previous studies using high frequencies of T cell receptor–transgenic T cells, new data indicate that when naive precursor frequencies approach endogenous levels, CD8+ effector and central memory T cell lineage commitment is fixed.