Lymphokines articles from across Nature Portfolio

Iwawura et al. identify a noncanonical role for NOD1, independent from its CARD-mediated proteoglycan sensing. Interactions between NOD1 and STAT5 are required for optimal lymphopoiesis in response to homeostatic cytokines.

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) are important for lymph node (LN) structure and function. Here the authors show that the YAP/TAZ complex downstream of Hippo signalling regulates FRC commitment and maturation, with YAP/TAZ deficiency impairing FRC differentiation, while hyperactivation of YAZ/TAZ inducing myofibroblastic FRCs and LN fibrosis.

Silencing of the chromatin remodeler Mi-2β in keratinocytes triggers local skin inflammation. Regulatory T cells activated by the cytokine TSLP control the shift from local skin inflammation to systemic lethal disease.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is overexpressed in numerous tumors and has been correlated with the development of breast cancer, but the mechanism(s) have largely remained unknown. Suppression of autophagy has now been unraveled as a pivotal mechanism underlying MIF's role in breast cancer. Strikingly, the study demonstrates that MIF phenocopies the anti-autophagic effects of steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3), a known oncogene, which in turn drives MIF gene expression.