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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.

The transcription factor SOX2 detects bacterial DNA in neutrophils, which leads to the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

A new construct termed eCD4-Ig neutralizes all tested HIV isolates and protects macaques from multiple SHIV challenges.

Type I interferons (IFNs) have both direct and indirect effects on T cells, and can promote or inhibit their antiviral activity. As reviewed here, the outcome of type I IFN signalling in T cells largely depends on the timing of the signal relative to T cell receptor activation.

High levels of salt in the skin promote the antibacterial defences of macrophages.

Improved treatments are needed for nearly all forms ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection. Adjunctive agents that target the host have the potential to shorten treatment duration, prevent resistance and reduce lung injury by promoting macrophage effector mechanisms and blocking mechanisms that cause lung destruction.

Two potent inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome have been identified — a drug called MCC950 and the exercise- or fasting-induced metabolite β-hydroxybutyrate.

Emulsifying agents found in food may contribute to colitis and metabolic syndrome by disrupting the intestinal microbiota.

Regulation of the immune response in the female reproductive tract by sex hormones enables optimal conditions for fertilization and pregnancy according to the stage of the menstrual cycle, but can simultaneously affect susceptibility to pathogen infection.