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The fourth EMBO workshop on “Lymphocyte antigen receptor and coreceptor signaling” gathered immunologists to share key findings, new questions and emerging trends in the field of cell signaling.
The one lymphocyte–one receptor idea is challenged by the recent finding of B cells capable of producing two functional immunoglobulin molecules. Such cells that survive selection might potentially contribute to autoimmunity.
Dendritic cell subsets are thought to become committed to the dendritic cell lineage once they have differentiated from lymphoid or myeloid lineage precursors. However, this tenet has been challenged by data showing plasticity among the different subsets.
The interaction between dendritic cells and T cells is critical for induction of appropriate immune responses. Visualization of their interaction in intact lymph nodes provides insight into the process of generating immunity or tolerance.
Immunoglobulin class-switch recombination occurs in both frogs and mammals. A new study shows that the recognition mechanism used for the targeting of switch sequences might be evolutionary conserved.
Rabbits are the only animals susceptible to myxoma virus. The induction of interferon α/β by myxoma virus in nonpermissive mouse cells seems to be crucial to maintaining this species restriction.
Chromosomal translocations involving immunoglobulin switch regions are commonly thought to arise from aberrant AID-induced DNA lesions. New data, however, suggest AID does not initiate such lesions, but acts subsequently in the B cell transformation process.
Engagement of CD28 by B7 molecules results in the activation of T cells. In addition to this T cell stimulation through CD28, the engagement of B7 on dendritic cells by CD28 can lead to the activation of dendritic cells.
Mature dendritic cells are considered terminally differentiated. However, this dogma is challenged by data showing culture-generated mature dendritic cells can further differentiate under the influence of stromal cells.
Many models have been put forth to explain the function of CD4 T cell help in primary and memory CD8 T cell generation. New evidence suggests the licensing model may be the most physiologically relevant.
How innate immunity discriminates between noninvasive bacterial pathogens and commensals is unclear. The finding that epithelial cells recognize peptidoglycan fragments of Helicobacter pylori delivered by the type IV secretion system suggests an intriguing solution.
Dendritic cells at mucosal surfaces represent one of the first lines of immune recognition between the body and environmental pathogens and antigens. A meeting in July 2004 presented the latest understanding in the field.
Lymphocyte adhesion requires rapid responses. Lymphocytes from mice deficient in the Rap effector molecule RAPL lack this property and are therefore deficient in their immune responses.
