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Phagocytes swarm to the lung in individuals with cystic fibrosis but are unable to clear infection. A close examination of neutrophil biology reveals that Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lung disables these phagocytes, which then turn on each other (pages 1423–1430).
Two studies examine why community-acquired strains of Staphylococcus aureus are so good at burrowing into flesh and wreaking havoc on the body (pages 1405–1406 and 1510–1514).
Adoptive T cell transfer studies in mice and in cancer patients have shown substantial potential, but also major barriers, for successful therapeutic outcomes. A new strategy may overcome some of these barriers. T cells can now be engineered with 'autocostimulation' properties along with chimeric receptors specific for tumor antigens (pages 1440–1449).
An inherited form of kidney disease results from defects in the cilium. Mouse knockout experiments now explore how cilia help guide the organ into the right shape—and hint that these tiny antennae may also help regulate food intake (pages 1490–1495).
During HIV-1 infection, there are many ways for CD4+ T cells to die. New findings suggest that an autoimmune mechanism may come into play (pages 1431–1439).
Histone deacetylase inhibitors, which are in clinical use as anticancer agents, also affect the biology of regulatory T cells. These inhibitors may also hold promise as immunomodulatory drugs (pages 1299–1307).
Decreased levels of activated protein C allow for kidney cell death in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy. The findings suggest that targeting the antiapoptotic protein C pathway could counteract kidney damage in individuals with diabetes (pages 1349–1358).
A protein produced by parasitic roundworms that inhibits the inflammatory response is shown to prevent mast cell activation. The protein could potentially be used for the management of allergies and asthma (pages 1375–1381).
Lipopolysaccharide signaling through the Toll-like receptors downregulates an inhibitory pseudoreceptor of TGF-β, enhancing hepatic fibrosis and liver injury (pages 1324–1332).
Mesenchymal stem cells promote the dissemination of neoplastic cells in a mouse model of breast cancer. The findings sound a cautionary note for anticancer therapies that rely on these cells and provoke a re-evaluation of how metastases form.
Obesity and a diet rich in saturated fatty acids can lead to high lipid levels in the liver and insulin resistance. However, inhibition of a key enzyme that elongates long-chain saturated fatty acids can protect against insulin resistance in fatty livers, even with concurrent obesity (pages 1193–1202).
