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Although γδ T cells were discovered fortuitously more than 20 years ago, their development remains enigmatic. Genetic evidence now suggests that γδ T lymphocytes undergo intrathymic positive selection.
Networks of transcription factors regulate cell fate 'decisions'. The forkhead protein Foxp1 is now identified as a key regulator of B cell development that influences the expression of recombination-activating genes.
Viruses have evolved several strategies to subvert host defenses. New evidence indicates that herpes simplex virus 1 prevents glycolipid antigen presentation to natural killer T cells by downregulating CD1d expression.
Envisioning how T cells might recognize antigen presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules proved to be a formidable challenge. Pamela Bjorkman describes her journey to provide structural insights into how such recognition is achieved.
Cooperation between dendritic cell subtypes and a newly identified function for interleukin 15 demonstrate the complexity surrounding the initial events required for effective antipathogen immunity.
The mechanisms governing natural killer cell development are not well understood. Activation of the tyrosine kinase receptors Tyro3, Axl and Mer on pre–natural killer cells by stromal cell–produced ligands now seems to be critical.