VDJ recombination

SHLD1, as a component of the Shieldin (SHLD) complex, mediates DNA repair via non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), an essential process during lymphocyte development. Here the authors show that SHLD1 is actually dispensable for lymphocyte development and V(D)J recombination, but is essential for class-switching recombination in activated B cells.

Here, Andreano and Paciello et al. show, at single cell level, the functional and genetic characteristics underlying the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 cross-protective antibody response in naïve and previously infected COVID-19 vaccinees.

Raychaudhuri and colleagues identify TCR-intrinsic features that govern development of regulatory T cells.

Alt and colleagues review recent advances in our understanding of the mechanistic role of cohesin-mediated chromatin loop extrusion in V(D)J recombination and class-switch recombination at the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus.

The identification of high-affinity molecular mimicry between the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) transcription factor EBNA1 and the CNS protein GlialCAM provides a mechanistic link between multiple sclerosis and EBV.

This Review describes our current understanding of the functional and structural transitions that occurred during the evolution of the recombination activating gene 1 (RAG1)–RAG2 (collectively RAG) recombinase, yielding a RAG recombinase in jawed vertebrates with tightly regulated cleavage activity and strongly suppressed transposition activity.