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One of the hallmarks of cystic fibrosis is the propensity of patients to develop lung infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which eventually compromises lung function. New data suggest loss of CFTR impairs lipoxin production, thus preventing resolution of lung inflammation and creating an environment susceptible to further infection.
Given the right sequence of cues, embryonic stem cells can develop into any cell type found in the body. New work shows how manipulation of supportive stromal cells to provide essential Delta-Notch interactions allows embryonic stem cells to develop into functional T lymphocytes during in vitro culture.
Anergy induction initiates a transcription program involving the upregulation of several ubiquitin ligases (E3s). New data show how these E3s contribute to the establishment of anergy.
Natural killer cells are kept in check by their inhibitory receptors. Data now indicate that these receptors can bind ligands that are next to them on the same cell surface, with unexpected functional consequences.
When acetyl or methyl groups are added to histones, chromatin structure and gene expression are altered. The methyltransferase G9a can target the specific silencing of IFNB gene expression and blocking of V(D)J recombination.
Viral TH1 responses can positively regulate TH2 responses in a mouse model of allergen-induced lung inflammation. This helps explain why respiratory viral infections can exacerbate allergic TH2-type diseases.
Stimulation of activated T cells enhances their susceptibility to Fas-mediated cell death by an unknown mechanism. New data show that the distribution of Fas into lipid rafts may be the important step.
CD1 presents lipids to unique subsets of T cells, but how are these lipids loaded onto CD1? A series of three papers has shed light on the molecules that facilitate this process.
The proteome universe may be best represented by the peptides caught by major histocompatibility complex proteins. Unusual peptides, such as the post-translationally spliced example seen by the authors of a recent Nature paper, would not be included in a protein world gleaned only from genomics.
Stroma in tumors forms a barrier to immunity against cancer. New findings show that stimulating both stroma and T lymphocytes together leads to potent immunity against established tumors.
The “Immune Regulatory Networks” meeting in Boston gathered scientists with a passion for regulatory T cells to discuss the latest information on an increasingly important subject.
Lymphatic and vascular vessel formation develop in response to specific cues. With the identification of key factors responsible for these interactions, new therapies for the treatment of lymphatic disorders might be on the horizon.
Lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells are central to the development of lymphoid organs during embryonic development. Only these cells express the nuclear receptor RORγt, which turns out to be indispensable for LTi cell survival and function.
