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Multiple receptors alert cells to microbial invasion by initiating intracellular signals that modify gene expression. New work provides a more complex view of microbe-induced signaling through the adaptor CARD9.
Human immunodeficiency virus uses many signaling pathways and cell surface receptors to infect cells. New work emphasizes the many functions of the lectin DC-SIGN expressed in dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells are specialized in antigen presentation to lymphocytes. New research clarifies the origin and kinetics of differentiation of a subset of dendritic cells in the spleen and lymph nodes.
AID acts to further refine the immunoglobulin response in fish, birds and mammals. Now, evidence is uncovered to suggest AID actually arose early in evolution and can diversify antigen receptors in lampreys.
Fungal recognition occurs partially through the C-type lectin dectin-1. New studies show that dectin-mediated immune recognition of Candida albicans induces the differentiation of interleukin 17–producing T helper cells that express chemokine receptors characteristic of mucosal homing.
The immune system has several signaling pathways that detect invading pathogens. When activated in certain conditions, these pathways can also serve to exacerbate or even cause autoimmune disease.
Smad7 controls inflammation by negatively regulating activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. New work shows that Smad7 inhibits NF-κB by binding to the regulatory proteins TAB2 and TAB3, thereby blocking association of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF2 with the kinase TAK1.
Self-reactive B cells are subject to several mechanisms to ensure self-tolerance. The epithelium-derived cytokine TSLP acts to regulate B cell tolerance by targeting B cell precursors rather than mature B cells.
Epithelial NF-κB preserves the integrity of the gut epithelial barrier and coordinates the antimicrobial actions of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Deficiency in or hyperactivation of this transcription factor results in chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
The transcriptional regulators Foxp3 and Aire have key functions in self-tolerance. New studies emphasize potential links between Aire-expressing thymic stromal cells and the development of Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells.
Alloreactive T cell responses are considered the product of 'degenerate' recognition by T cells of many different complexes of peptide and major histocompatibility complex. New work shows instead that T cell receptor alloresponses are highly 'polyspecific' for such complexes.
Limited niche availability restricts the number of long-lived plasma cells that can reside in the bone marrow. New research describes homeostatic regulatory mechanisms that allow newly 'minted' plasma cells to gain entry to such niches.
Recruitment of lymphocytes to the lymph nodes requires L-selectin-mediated recognition of carbohydrate determinants presented by O-glycans. New work shows that N-glycans 'decorated' with the same determinants also contribute to lymphocyte homing.