Browse Articles

Fibroblastic reticular cells — which are immunologically specialized myofibroblasts of mesenchymal origin — create a network within lymph nodes that is essential for immunological health through interactions with B cells, T cells, dendritic cells and high endothelial venules.

Cytotoxic lymphocytes recognize virus-infected and transformed cells and kill them by apoptosis. Recent studies on the structural and cellular biology of the key mediators of this cytotoxicity — perforin and granzymes — have advanced our understanding of their mechanisms of action, their regulation and the pathophysiological consequences of impaired cytotoxicity.

Tumour-associated eosinophils support CD8⁺T cell-mediated rejection through chemoattraction and vascular normalization.

A newly discovered B cell-derived peptide inhibits T cell migration during inflammatory responses.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced by bacteria and can interact with leukocytes and other host cells to shape the immune response during infection. OMVs can have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects; in this Review, the authors discuss how they may contribute to human diseases and also their potential as vaccine adjuvants.

This Review considers the impact of host temperature on the immune system. In particular, the authors focus on how the thermal element of the fever response can shape both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Tumour necrosis factor signals in the hypothalamus promote peripheral adaptive immune responses.

Interleukin-17B protects against dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by antagonizing the functions of interleukin-25.

Cytomegalovirus infection enhances immunity and improves vaccine responses to influenza virus in humans and provides cross-protection against influenza virus in mice.

Accumulating evidence indicates that the food we eat can influence the development of allergic diseases. In this Review, the authors describe the role of both maternal and early childhood food exposure in the prevention of allergy and asthma, and they discuss some of the known dietary components that influence immune homeostasis and the development of allergy.

Cigarette smoke exposure enhances lung inflammation in multiple ways.

Siglec receptors may support longevity in mammals by protecting host cells against damaging free radicals.

The dominant role of interleukin-2 (IL-2) is in the maintenance of regulatory T cells rather than of effector T cells. This has led to clinical interest in the use of low-dose IL-2 to control autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, with promising initial results.

The type 2 cytokine response provides important host-protective functions, but dysregulated type 2 immune responses can contribute to the development of disease. In this Review, the author describes the regulatory mechanisms that limit the pathological consequences of persistent type 2 immunity.

Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) promotes the perinatal development of a distinct population of regulatory T cells.

This Review summarizes our current understanding of the key factors that regulate the differentiation of T helper 9 (T_H9) cells. The authors discuss how T_H9 cells can contribute to protective immunity to infection but may also drive immunopathology in diseases such as allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

Dual immune checkpoint blockade combined with radiation promotes effective antitumour immunity through distinct mechanisms.

Immune biomarkers are increasingly being used to inform clinical interventions. In this Science and Society article, the authors discuss the progress that has been made in identifying and applying immune biomarkers in different disease settings. The authors also consider the major challenges facing the field.