Showing posts sorted by relevance for query latest:Immunological Reviews. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query latest:Immunological Reviews. Sort by date Show all posts

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Hot off the presses! Apr 21 Immunological Reviews

The Apr 21 issue of the Immunological Reviews is now up on Pubget (About Immunological Reviews): if you're at a subscribing institution, just click the link in the latest link at the home page. (Note you'll only be able to get all the PDFs in the issue if your institution subscribes to Pubget.)

Latest Articles Include:

  • Mechanisms of costimulation
    Sharpe AH - Immunological Reviews 229(1):5-11 (2009)
  • CD28 and CTLA-4 coreceptor expression and signal transduction
    Rudd CE Taylor A Schneider H - Immunological Reviews 229(1):12-26 (2009)
    Summary: T-cell activation is mediated by antigen-specific signals from the TCRζ/CD3 and CD4–CD8–p56lck complexes in combination with additional co-signals provided by coreceptors such as CD28, inducible costimulator (ICOS), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death (PD-1), and others. CD28 and ICOS provide positive signals that promote and sustain T-cell responses, while CTLA-4 and PD-1 limit responses. The balance between stimulatory and inhibitory co-signals determines the ultimate nature of T-cell responses where response to foreign pathogen is achieved without excess inflammation and autoimmunity. In this review, we outline the current knowledge of the CD28 and CTLA-4 signaling mechanisms [involving phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), Filamin A, protein kinase C θ (PKCθ), and phosphatases] that control T-cell immunity. We also present recent findings on T-cell receptor-interacting molecule (! TRIM) regulation of CTLA-4 surface expression, and a signaling pathway involving CTLA-4 activation of PI3K and protein kinase B (PKB)/AKT by which cell survival is ensured under conditions of anergy induction.
  • Dynamic regulation of T-cell costimulation through TCR–CD28 microclusters
    Yokosuka T Saito T - Immunological Reviews 229(1):27-40 (2009)
    Summary: T-cell activation requires contact between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to bring T-cell receptors (TCRs) and major histocompatibility complex peptide (MHCp) together to the same complex. These complexes rearrange to form a concentric circular structure, the immunological synapse (IS). After the discovery of the IS, dynamic imaging technologies have revealed the details of the IS and provided important insights for T-cell activation. We have redefined a minimal unit of T-cell activation, the 'TCR microcluster', which recognizes MHCp, triggers an assembly of assorted molecules downstream of the TCR, and induces effective signaling from TCRs. The relationship between TCR signaling and costimulatory signaling was analyzed in terms of the TCR microcluster. CD28, the most valuable costimulatory receptor, forms TCR–CD28 microclusters in cooperation with TCRs, associates with protein kinase C θ, and effectively induces initial T-cell activation. Afte! r mature IS formation, CD28 microclusters accumulate at a particular subregion of the IS, where they continuously assemble with the kinases and not TCRs, and generate sustained T-cell signaling. We propose here a 'TCR–CD28 microcluster' model in which TCR and costimulatory microclusters are spatiotemporally formed at the IS and exhibit fine-tuning of T-cell responses by assembling with specific players downstream of the TCR and CD28.
  • Regulating the regulators: costimulatory signals control the homeostasis and function of regulatory T cells
    Bour-Jordan H Bluestone JA - Immunological Reviews 229(1):41-66 (2009)
    Summary: Costimulation is a concept that goes back to the early 1980s when Lafferty and others hypothesized that cell surface and soluble molecules must exist that are essential for initiating immune responses subsequent to antigen exposure. The explosion in this field of research ensued as over a dozen molecules have been identified to function as second signals following T-cell receptor engagement. By 1994, it seemed clear that the most prominent costimulatory pathway CD28 and functionally related costimulatory molecules, such as CD154, were the major drivers of a positive immune response. Then the immunology world turned upside down. CD28 knockout mice, which were, in most cases, immunodeficient, led to increased autoimmunity when bred into the non-obese diabetic background. Another CD28 family member, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, which was presumed to be a costimulatory molecule on activated T cells, turned out to be critical in downregulating immun! ity. These results, coupled with the vast suppressor cell literature which had been largely rebuked, suggested that the immune system was not poised for response but controlled in such a way that regulation was dominant. Over the last decade, we have learned that these costimulatory molecules play a key role in the now classical CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) that provide critical control of unwanted autoimmune responses. In this review, we discuss the connections between costimulation and Tregs that have changed the costimulation paradigm.
  • Negative regulators of T-cell activation: potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer, autoimmune disease, and persistent infections
    Pentcheva-Hoang T Corse E Allison JP - Immunological Reviews 229(1):67-87 (2009)
    Summary: The generation of productive adaptive immune responses depends on the antigen-specific activation of T and B cells. The outcome of T-cell receptor engagement is influenced by signals from both positive and negative regulatory molecules that can either activate or inhibit T-cell function. CD28 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 are the prototypical members of an immunoglobulin domain-containing protein family that play important roles in the control of T-cell responses against infection, cancer, and in autoimmune disease. Although the precise molecular details of their functions are still under active investigation, tumors and chronic pathogens seem to have exploited these pathways to achieve immune evasion. Furthermore, malfunction of the inhibitory arm of the immune response appears responsible for the development of multiple autoimmune pathologies. As a result, the negative regulators of T-cell activation have become attractive targets for therapeutic inte! rvention in cancer, chronic infection, and autoimmune disease. The application of findings from basic research has provided insight into the manipulation of these pathways in the clinic and offers promising strategies for the treatment of disease.
  • Yin–Yang of costimulation: crucial controls of immune tolerance and function
    Nurieva RI Liu X Dong C - Immunological Reviews 229(1):88-100 (2009)
    Summary: In addition to signals from the T-cell receptor complex, it has been recognized for many years that a 'second' signal, most notably from CD28, is also important in T-cell activation. In the recent years, many new members of CD28 family as well as the molecules that share structural homology to CD28 ligands CD80 and CD86 have been discovered. Interestingly, some of these proteins function to dampen T-cell activation and regulate the induction of T-cell tolerance. Therefore, positive and negative costimulation are the two sides of the coin to fine tune T-cell receptor signaling to determine the outcome of T-cell receptor engagement-tolerance versus function.
  • The role of costimulation in antibody deficiencies: ICOS and common variable immunodeficiency
    Yong PF Salzer U Grimbacher B - Immunological Reviews 229(1):101-113 (2009)
    Summary: The identification of mutations in the inducible costimulator (ICOS) gene in nine patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) was a major breakthrough. CVID is a complex, highly heterogeneous primary immunodeficiency disease, and the discovery of these mutations revealed a molecular basis. ICOS belongs to the CD28 family of costimulatory molecules and is expressed exclusively on activated T cells. It has at least three critical functions: germinal center formation, isotype class switching, and the development of memory B cells. The discovery of human ICOS deficiency showed that a monogenic disorder could account for the full spectrum of manifestations seen in childhood and adulthood-onset CVID, including autoimmune, inflammatory, and malignant disease complications, as well as recurrent infections. Moreover, this discovery showed that a disorder which had previously been perceived as a B-cell disease might in fact have its genetic origin in human T c! ells. In this article, we review the role of ICOS in the mammalian immune system and human disease, as well as the discovery and characteristics of patients with ICOS deficiency. Finally, we also discuss how these 'human knockouts' have contributed to our understanding of ICOS functions and have suggested potential avenues for using therapeutic ICOS manipulation to treat other diseases.
  • PD-1 signaling in primary T cells
    Riley JL - Immunological Reviews 229(1):114-125 (2009)
    Summary: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is a cell surface molecule that regulates the adaptive immune response. Engagement of PD-1 by its ligands PD-L1 or PD-L2 transduces a signal that inhibits T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, and cytolytic function. While a great deal is known concerning the biologic roles PD-1 plays in regulating the primary immune response and in T-cell exhaustion, comparatively little is known regarding how PD-1 ligation alters signaling pathways. PD-1 ligation is known to inhibit membrane-proximal T-cell signaling events, while ligation of the related inhibitory molecule cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 appears to target more downstream signaling pathways. A major obstacle to an in-depth understanding of PD-1 signaling is the lack of physiologic models in which to study signal transduction. This review focuses on: (i) signaling pathways altered by PD-1 ligation, (ii) factors recruited upon PD-1 phosphorylation, and (iii) exploring the hypoth! esis that PD-1 ligation induces distinct signals during various stages of immune-cell differentiation. Lastly, we describe models to dissect the function of the PD-1 cytoplasmic tail using primary cells in the absence of agonist antibodies.
  • Costimulatory and coinhibitory receptors in anti-tumor immunity
    Driessens G Kline J Gajewski TF - Immunological Reviews 229(1):126-144 (2009)
    Summary: Despite the expression of antigens by tumor cells, spontaneous immune-mediated rejection of cancer seems to be a rare event. T-cell receptor engagement by peptide/major histocompatibility complexes constitutes the main signal for the activation of naive T cells but is not sufficient to initiate a productive generation and maintenance of effector cells. Full activation of T cells requires additional signals driven by costimulatory molecules present on activated antigen-presenting cells but rarely on tumors. Following the discovery of B7-1 (CD80), several other costimulatory molecules have been shown to contribute to T-cell activation and have relevance for improving anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, increasing the understanding of coinhibitory receptors has highlighted key additional pathways that can dominantly inhibit anti-tumor T-cell function. Improving positive costimulation, and interfering with negative regulation, continues to represent an attractive immun! otherapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. This review focuses upon those pathways with the highest potential for clinical application in human cancer patients.
  • Fine tuning the immune response through B7-H3 and B7-H4
    Yi KH Chen L - Immunological Reviews 229(1):145-151 (2009)
    Summary: B7-H3 and B7-H4 belong to a new class of immune regulatory molecules, which primarily execute their functions in peripheral tissues to fine tune immune responses in target organs. In normal circumstances, while the mRNA for both molecules is broadly distributed, tight control at the post-transcriptional level is imposed. Under a pathogenic environment, such as inflammation and cancer, the control is often aberrant. Upon engaging their receptors, these molecules regulate the immune response in positive or negative ways depending on the expression and type of cells bearing the receptors. Thus, manipulation of the expression of these molecules and/or their receptors may represent a realistic opportunity to fine tune immune responses and to design new immunotherapeutic approaches.
  • Molecular mechanism and function of CD40/CD40L engagement in the immune system
    Elgueta R Benson MJ de Vries VC Wasiuk A Guo Y Noelle RJ - Immunological Reviews 229(1):152-172 (2009)
    Summary: During the generation of a successful adaptive immune response, multiple molecular signals are required. A primary signal is the binding of cognate antigen to an antigen receptor expressed by T and B lymphocytes. Multiple secondary signals involve the engagement of costimulatory molecules expressed by T and B lymphocytes with their respective ligands. Because of its essential role in immunity, one of the best characterized of the costimulatory molecules is the receptor CD40. This receptor, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, is expressed by B cells, professional antigen-presenting cells, as well as non-immune cells and tumors. CD40 binds its ligand CD40L, which is transiently expressed on T cells and other non-immune cells under inflammatory conditions. A wide spectrum of molecular and cellular processes is regulated by CD40 engagement including the initiation and progression of cellular and humoral adaptive immunity. In this review, we desc! ribe the downstream signaling pathways initiated by CD40 and overview how CD40 engagement or antagonism modulates humoral and cellular immunity. Lastly, we discuss the role of CD40 as a target in harnessing anti-tumor immunity. This review underscores the essential role CD40 plays in adaptive immunity.
  • The significance of OX40 and OX40L to T-cell biology and immune disease
    Croft M So T Duan W Soroosh P - Immunological Reviews 229(1):173-191 (2009)
    Summary: OX40 (CD134) and its binding partner, OX40L (CD252), are members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor/tumor necrosis factor superfamily and are expressed on activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as on a number of other lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells. Costimulatory signals from OX40 to a conventional T cell promote division and survival, augmenting the clonal expansion of effector and memory populations as they are being generated to antigen. OX40 additionally suppresses the differentiation and activity of T-regulatory cells, further amplifying this process. OX40 and OX40L also regulate cytokine production from T cells, antigen-presenting cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells, and modulate cytokine receptor signaling. In line with these important modulatory functions, OX40–OX40L interactions have been found to play a central role in the development of multiple inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, making them attractive candidates for in! tervention in the clinic. Conversely, stimulating OX40 has shown it to be a candidate for therapeutic immunization strategies for cancer and infectious disease. This review provides a broad overview of the biology of OX40 including the intracellular signals from OX40 that impact many aspects of immune function and have promoted OX40 as one of the most prominent costimulatory molecules known to control T cells.
  • Immune regulation by 4-1BB and 4-1BBL: complexities and challenges
    Wang C Lin GH McPherson AJ Watts TH - Immunological Reviews 229(1):192-215 (2009)
    Summary: The tumor necrosis factor receptor family member 4-1BB plays a key role in the survival of activated and memory CD8+ T cells. Depending on the disease model, 4-1BB can participate at different stages and influence different aspects of the immune response, likely due to the differential expression of receptor and ligand relative to other costimulatory molecules. Studies comparing mild versus severe influenza infection of mice suggest that the immune system uses inducible receptors such as 4-1BB to prolong the immune response when pathogens take longer to clear. The expression of 4-1BB on diverse cell types, evidence for bidirectional as well as receptor-independent signaling by 4-1BBL, the unexpected hyperproliferation of 4-1BB-deficient T cells, and complex effects of agonistic anti-4-1BB therapy have revealed additional roles for the 4-1BB/4-1BBL receptor/ligand pair in the immune system. In this review, we discuss these diverse roles of 4-1BB and its ligand ! in the immune response, exploring possible mechanisms for the observed complexities and implications for therapeutic applications of 4-1BB/4-1BBL.
  • Timing and tuning of CD27–CD70 interactions: the impact of signal strength in setting the balance between adaptive responses and immunopathology
    Nolte MA van Olffen RW van Gisbergen KP van Lier RA - Immunological Reviews 229(1):216-231 (2009)
    Summary: After binding its natural ligand cluster of differentiation 70 (CD70), CD27, a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor-binding member of the TNFR family, regulates cellular activity in subsets of T, B, and natural killer cells as well as hematopoietic progenitor cells. In normal immune responses, CD27 signaling appears to be limited predominantly by the restricted expression of CD70, which is only transiently expressed by cells of the immune system upon activation. Studies performed in CD27-deficient and CD70-transgenic mice have defined a non-redundant role of this receptor–ligand pair in shaping adaptive T-cell responses. Moreover, adjuvant properties of CD70 have been exploited for the design of anti-cancer vaccines. However, continuous CD27–CD70 interactions may cause immune dysregulation and immunopathology in conditions of chronic immune activation such as during persistent virus infection and autoimmune disease. We conclude that opti! mal tuning of CD27–CD70 interaction is crucial for the regulation of the cellular immune response. We provide a detailed comparison of costimulation through CD27 with its closely related family members 4-1BB (CD137), CD30, herpes virus entry mediator, OX40 (CD134), and glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related gene, and we argue that these receptors do not have a unique function per se but that rather the timing, context, and intensity of these costimulatory signals determine the functional consequence of their activity.
  • Immunoregulation by tumor necrosis factor superfamily member LIGHT
    Wang Y Zhu M Miller M Fu YX - Immunological Reviews 229(1):232-243 (2009)
    Summary: LIGHT (homologous to lymphotoxins, inducible expression, competes with herpesvirus glycoprotein D for herpesvirus entry mediator, a receptor expressed on T lymphocytes) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily that contributes to the regulation of immune responses. LIGHT can influence T-cell activation both directly and indirectly by engagement of various receptors that are expressed on T cells and on other types of cells. LIGHT, LIGHT receptors, and their related binding partners constitute a complicated molecular network in the regulation of various processes. The molecular cross-talk among LIGHT and its related molecules presents challenges and opportunities for us to study and to understand the full extent of the LIGHT function. Previous research from genetic and functional studies has demonstrated that dysregulation of LIGHT expression can result in the disturbance of T-cell homeostasis and activation, changing the ability of self-tolerance an! d of the control of infection. Meanwhile, blockade of LIGHT activity can ameliorate the severity of various T-cell-mediated diseases. These observations indicate the importance of LIGHT and its involvement in many physiological and pathological conditions. Understanding LIGHT interactions offers promising new therapeutic strategies that target LIGHT-engaged pathways to fight against cancer and various infectious diseases.
  • The CD160, BTLA, LIGHT/HVEM pathway: a bidirectional switch regulating T-cell activation
    Cai G Freeman GJ - Immunological Reviews 229(1):244-258 (2009)
    Summary: CD160 is a newly identified ligand for HVEM (herpes virus entry mediator). Previously identified HVEM ligands include BTLA (B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator), LIGHT (lymphotoxin-like, exhibits inducible expression, and competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for HVEM, a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes) and LTα (lymphotoxin-α). The binding of LIGHT or LTα to HVEM delivers a costimulatory signal, whereas the binding of BTLA or CD160 to HVEM delivers a coinhibitory signal. Thus, HVEM is a bidirectional switch regulating T-cell activation in a costimulatory or coinhibitory fashion whose outcome depends on the ligand engaged. The cysteine-rich domain 1 (CRD1) of HVEM is essential for the binding of coinhibitory ligands CD160 and BTLA but not costimulatory ligand LIGHT. Deletion or blockade of HVEM CRD1 abolishes the binding of CD160 and BTLA, but not LIGHT, and converts HVEM to a dominant costimulatory molecule, possibly through the loss of negative ! signaling by CD160/BTLA. Therapies targeting the CRD1 of HVEM to block BTLA and CD160 binding are being developed to enhance immune responses and vaccination.
  • The costimulatory role of TIM molecules
    Rodriguez-Manzanet R Dekruyff R Kuchroo VK Umetsu DT - Immunological Reviews 229(1):259-270 (2009)
    Summary: The T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain (TIM) family, including TIM-1, TIM-2, TIM-3, and TIM-4, is a relatively newly described group of molecules with a conserved structure and important immunological functions, including T-cell activation, induction of T-cell apoptosis and T-cell tolerance, and the clearance of apoptotic cells. TIM-1 costimulates T-cell activation and enhances cytokine production. In humans, TIM-1 also serves as a susceptibility gene for allergy and asthma. TIM-3, expressed on T cells and dendritic cells, regulates T-cell apoptosis and immune tolerance. By contrast, TIM-4, which is expressed primarily on antigen-presenting cells and which is a receptor for phosphatidylserine, regulates T-cell activation and tolerance, in part by mediating the uptake and engulfment of apoptotic cells. The TIM molecules thus have surprisingly broad activities affecting multiple aspects of immunology.
  • Costimulatory pathways in transplantation: challenges and new developments
    Li XC Rothstein DM Sayegh MH - Immunological Reviews 229(1):271-293 (2009)
    Summary: T cells are central to graft rejection, and therefore preventing T cells from recognizing and destroying allografts remains an important area of transplant research. However, T cells are also required for transplant tolerance; a subset can enforce a state of tolerance by functioning as regulatory cells. As both rejection and regulation directed against alloantigens require T-cell activation, costimulatory molecules undoubtedly play an important role in regulating both processes and ultimately the fate of the allograft. However, costimulation involves an incredibly complex array of interactions that may act contemporaneously or at different times; these interactions can have additive or opposing effects on T-cell activation or differentiation. While some costimulatory molecules mediate activation of naive T cells or generation of memory T cells, others inhibit T-cell activation and promote anergy or apoptosis. Moreover, a given pathway can have diametrically di! fferent effects on T-effector cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Such a complexity presents both challenges and opportunities in targeting T-cell costimulatory pathways to promote transplant tolerance. In this review article, we provide a summary of recent advances in our understanding of T-cell costimulatory pathways in regulating different phases of the T-cell response in transplant models. We focus specifically on costimulatory molecules in the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/TNF receptor superfamily, and in the emerging T-cell Ig domain and mucin domain family (TIM), highlighting their unique and redundant roles in regulating the T-effector and Treg responses after transplantation. Finally, we summarize emerging approaches toward inducing tolerance by tipping the balance between cytopathic T-effector cells and protective Tregs by selectively targeting specific T-cell costimulatory pathways that are critically involved.
  • Translating costimulation blockade to the clinic: lessons learned from three pathways
    Ford ML Larsen CP - Immunological Reviews 229(1):294-306 (2009)
    Summary: As the recognition that costimulatory signals are critical for optimal T-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation, there has been an explosion in the study of costimulatory molecules and their roles in enhancing anti-donor T-cell responses following transplantation. Here, we focus on the bench-to-beside translation of blocking agents designed to target three critical costimulatory pathways: the CD28/CD80/CD86 pathway, the CD154/CD40 pathway, and the lymphocyte function associated antigen-1/intercellular adhesion molecule pathway. While blockade of each of these pathways proved promising in inhibiting donor-reactive T-cell responses and promoting long-term graft survival in murine models of transplantation, the progression of development of therapeutic agents to block these pathways has each taken a slightly different course. Both logistical and biological pitfalls have accompanied the translation of blockers of all three pathways into clinically app! licable therapies, and the development of costimulatory blockade as a substitute for current standard-of-care calcineurin inhibitors has by no means reached completion. Collaboration between both the basic and clinical arenas will further propel the development of costimulation blockers currently in the pipeline, as well as of novel methods to target these critical pathways during transplantation.
  • The clinical utility of inhibiting CD28-mediated costimulation
    Linsley PS Nadler SG - Immunological Reviews 229(1):307-321 (2009)
    Summary: This volume covers many topics in the field of T-cell costimulation. The need for such a volume is testament to the growth of the field. From its beginning as a concept in the 1980s, we have now progressed to the point where many molecules now have functionally defined roles in T-cell costimulation. In addition, the field has progressed 'from bench to bedside'. Abatacept [cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4)-immunoglobulin (Ig) (CTLA-4-Ig)], an inhibitor of CD28-mediated T-cell costimulation, was approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in 2006 by the Food and Drug Administration and in 2007 by the European Medicines Agency. This chapter first presents a personal historical perspective on the early basic studies on the elucidation of the CD28/B7 T-cell costimulatory pathway and the discovery of CTLA-4-Ig. We next present an overview of studies of CTLA-4-Ig in preclinical animal studies. The material discussed in these first tw! o sections is selective rather than exhaustive; their purpose is to provide context for the final section, a summary of human clinical studies performed with abatacept.
  • Autoimmunity risk alleles in costimulation pathways
    Maier LM Hafler DA - Immunological Reviews 229(1):322-336 (2009)
    Summary: The basis for susceptibility to common autoimmune diseases is a complex interplay between multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. We have now entered a new generation of genetic study designs which has not only furthered our understanding of the individual mechanisms involved in the common human autoimmune diseases but also has pointed towards common pathways. In this review we focus on costimulatory mechanisms with the most convincing association results in large collections of patients and control subjects. These include the genes encoding cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, CD58, CD40, inducible T-cell costimulator ligand, CD244, CD226, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (ligand) superfamily member 4, TNF superfamily member 15, and programmed cell death 1. The unbiased genome-wide association scans suggest that indeed immune related genes underlie the pathogenesis of human autoimmune disease with common involvement of costimulatory pathways. The identificat! ion of allelic variants associated with disease risk followed by understanding their functional outcomes and affected pathways provides a rationale approach for drug design.
  • Molecular mechanisms of T-cell receptor and costimulatory molecule ligation/blockade in autoimmune disease therapy
    Podojil JR Miller SD - Immunological Reviews 229(1):337-355 (2009)
    Summary: Pro-inflammatory CD4+ T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, are hypothesized to be initiated and maintained by activated antigen-presenting cells presenting self antigen to self-reactive interferon-γ and interleukin-17-producing CD4+ T-helper (Th) type 1/Th17 cells. To date, the majority of Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for autoimmune disease primarily focus on the global inhibition of immune inflammatory activity. The goal of ongoing research in this field is to develop both therapies that inhibit/eliminate activated autoreactive cells as well as antigen-specific treatments, which allow for the directed blockade of the deleterious effects of self-reactive immune cell function. According to the two-signal hypothesis, activation of a naive antigen-specific CD4+ T cell requires both stimulation of the T-cell receptor (TCR) (signal 1) and stimulation of costimulatory molecules (signal 2). There als! o exists a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune cell activity, which is regulated by the type and strength of the activating signal as well as the local cytokine milieu in which the naive CD4+ T cell is activated. To this end, the majority of ongoing research is focused on the delivery of suboptimal TCR stimulation in the absence of costimulatory molecule stimulation, or potential blockade of stimulatory accessory molecules. Therefore, the signaling pathways involved in the induction of CD4+ T-cell anergy, as apposed to activation, are topics of intense interest.
  • Sequence, structure, function, immunity: structural genomics of costimulation
    Chattopadhyay K Lazar-Molnar E Yan Q Rubinstein R Zhan C Vigdorovich V Ramagopal UA Bonanno J Nathenson SG Almo SC - Immunological Reviews 229(1):356-386 (2009)
    Summary: Costimulatory receptors and ligands trigger the signaling pathways that are responsible for modulating the strength, course, and duration of an immune response. High-resolution structures have provided invaluable mechanistic insights by defining the chemical and physical features underlying costimulatory receptor:ligand specificity, affinity, oligomeric state, and valency. Furthermore, these structures revealed general architectural features that are important for the integration of these interactions and their associated signaling pathways into overall cellular physiology. Recent technological advances in structural biology promise unprecedented opportunities for furthering our understanding of the structural features and mechanisms that govern costimulation. In this review, we highlight unique insights that have been revealed by structures of costimulatory molecules from the immunoglobulin and tumor necrosis factor superfamilies and describe a vision for fut! ure structural and mechanistic analysis of costimulation. This vision includes simple strategies for the selection of candidate molecules for structure determination and highlights the critical role of structure in the design of mutant costimulatory molecules for the generation of in vivo structure–function correlations in a mammalian model system. This integrated 'atoms-to-animals' paradigm provides a comprehensive approach for defining atomic and molecular mechanisms.
  • Corrigendum
    - Immunological Reviews 229(1):387-387 (2009)
  • Erratum
    - Immunological Reviews 229(1):388-388 (2009)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hot off the presses! Apr 01 Nature Reviews Immunology

The Apr 01 issue of the Nature Reviews Immunology is now up on Pubget (About Nature Reviews Immunology): if you're at a subscribing institution, just click the link in the latest link at the home page. (Note you'll only be able to get all the PDFs in the issue if your institution subscribes to Pubget.)

Latest Articles Include:

  • From the editors
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):153 (2010)
    The bone marrow could be considered to be the immune system's safe house — being a secure location, suitable for lying low and staying out of harms way. Indeed, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can safely lie dormant in specialized bone marrow niches, being aroused from their slumber to replenish blood cells only in times of need.
  • Thymocyte development: Cytokines have the casting vote
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):154 (2010)
    Signals through the T cell receptor (TCR) are crucial for the positive selection of double-positive (DP) thymocytes and for the differentiation of CD4+ T cells. Far less is known about how CD8+ T cell lineage specification occurs; this study indicates that although TCR signalling sets the stage for the differentiation of CD8+ T cells, signalling by cytokines such as interleukin-7 (IL-7) is the deciding factor.
  • T cells: TH2 cells have mixed loyalty
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):155 (2010)
    T helper 1 (TH1) and TH2 cells express unique sets of transcription factors and cytokines and are thought to be mutually exclusive subsets, with opposing immunological functions. Now, a recent paper in Immunity has shown that interferons (IFNs) can induce TH2 cells to adopt a stable intermediate phenotype that is characterized by the expression of both TH1- and TH2-type signature molecules.
  • In brief: Autoimmunity, Immune tolerance, Dendritic cells
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):155 (2010)
    March 2010 Vol 10 No 3 * Research Highlights * Reviews * Perspectives * Previous About the cover From the editors p153 | doi:10.1038/nri2741 Research Highlights Thymocyte development: Cytokines have the casting vote | PDF (150 KB) p154 | doi:10.1038/nri2732 CD8+ lineage specification requires cytokine but not TCR signalling. T cells: TH2 cells have mixed loyalty | PDF (246 KB) p155 | doi:10.1038/nri2733 Virus-induced IFNs cause TH2 cells to gain TH1-type functions. In brief Autoimmunity | Immune tolerance | Dendritic cells | PDF (173 KB) p155 | doi:10.1038/nri2740 Innate immunity: FOXO protects hungry flies | PDF (224 KB) p156 | doi:10.1038/nri2731 FOXO regulates AMP expression in response to starvation and disrupted insulin signalling. Autoimmunity: Platelets make bones ache | PDF (182 KB) p156 | doi:10.1038/nri2734 Platelet-derived microparticles express IL-1 and promote joint inflammation. Vaccine Watch Strategic variety | PDF (184 KB) p156 | doi:10.1038/nri2736 Innate immunity: A NOD to neutrophils | PDF (214 KB) p157 | doi:10.1038/nri2739 Peptidoglycan from the gut microbiota enhances systemic innate immune function. B cells: Direct hit by IL-21 | PDF (199 KB) p158 | doi:10.1038/nri2737 IL-21 receptor signalling by B cells prolongs germinal centre response. Tumour immunology: Antibodies lend support to tumours | PDF (214 KB) p158 | doi:10.1038/nri2738 Antibody binding to activating FcγRs establishes a pro-tumour environment Reviews Immune adaptations that maintain homeostasis with the intestinal microbiota Lora V. Hooper & Andrew J. Macpherson p159 | doi:10.1038/nri2710 Although the vast numbers of commensal organisms that reside in the human gut are essential for health, they pose a continuous threat of invasion. The intestinal immune system has evolved unique immunological adaptations that help to maintain intestinal homeostasis. * Abstract * Full Text * PDF (764 KB) The regulation of IL-10 production by immune cells Margarida Saraiva & Anne O'Garra p170 | doi:10.1038/nri2711 The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) has a central role in limiting inflammatory responses to protect against excessive tissue damage. Recent evidence suggests that many types of immune cell can produce IL-10, but how is its transcription regulated in these different cell types? * Abstract * Full Text * PDF (511 KB) WASP: a key immunological multitasker Adrian J. Thrasher & Siobhan O. Burns p182 | doi:10.1038/nri2724 As a key regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) is involved in diverse immune responses, including leukocyte migration and activation. This Review describes how various mutations in mice and humans have led us to a greater appreciation of the many immunological functions of WASP. * Abstract * Full Text * PDF (470 KB) Organization of immunological memory by bone marrow stroma Koji Tokoyoda, Anja E. Hauser, Toshinori Nakayama & Andreas Radbruch p193 | doi:10.1038/nri2727 How are memory cells maintained? In this Review, the authors discuss the emerging role of mesenchymal stromal cells — which organize defined numbers of dedicated survival niches for different types of memory lymphocytes — in the maintenance of immunological memory. * Abstract * Full Text * PDF (365 KB) Perspectives Opinion Awakening dormant haematopoietic stem cells Andreas Trumpp, Marieke Essers & Anne Wilson p201 | doi:10.1038/nri2726 Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can reside as dormant cells in endosteal niches in the bone marrow, where they are resistant to certain types of chemotherapy. In this article, the authors suggest that by first awakening dormant HSCs to become actively self-renewing cells, this resistance to chemotherapy could be overcome. * Abstract * Full Text * PDF (1,857 KB) Opinion NLRP3 inflammasome activation: the convergence of multiple signalling pathways on ROS production? Jurg Tschopp & Kate Schroder p210 | doi:10.1038/nri2725 This Opinion article discusses the evidence for and the limitations of the three main models of inflammasome activation. The authors propose that the production of reactive oxygen species might be a common factor downstream of many types of inflammasome activator. * Abstract * Full Text * PDF (592 KB) Erratum: Toll-like receptor signalling in the intestinal epithelium: how bacterial recognition shapes intestinal function Maria T. Abreu p215 | doi:10.1038/nri2728 * Full Text * PDF (458 KB)
  • Innate immunity: FOXO protects hungry flies
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):156 (2010)
    Chromogranin A is an autoantigen in type 1 diabetes Stadinksi , B. D.et al. Nature Immunol.7 Feb 2010 (doi: 10.1038/ni.1844)
  • Autoimmunity: Platelets make bones ache
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):156 (2010)
    The immune and metabolic systems are closely integrated and evolutionarily conserved, and several pathways and transcription factors have been described that are central to this integration. Now, the transcription factor forkhead box O (FOXO), which has an important role in regulating metabolism, has been shown to be essential for the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in response to starvation and disrupted insulin signalling in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.
  • Strategic variety
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):156 (2010)
    Platelets have well-described functions in haemostasis and blood clotting, but only recently have immunologists begun to appreciate the contribution of platelets to inflammatory responses. A recent paper in Science reports a pro-inflammatory role for platelets in inflammatory arthritis, showing that platelet-derived microparticles can promote immunopathology in the inflamed joint.
  • Innate immunity: A NOD to neutrophils
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):157 (2010)
    Four new studies show the ever-increasing complexity of vaccine approaches that are being developed to increase immunogenicity, improve safety and decrease production costs.Perhaps the 'simplest' approach to vaccination is to use the whole microorganism, which contains both the protective antigen or antigens and natural 'built-in' adjuvants.
  • B cells: Direct hit by IL-21
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):158 (2010)
    The relationship between a host and its intestinal microbiota may be even more complex and extensive than we previously anticipated, as suggested by a recent study in Nature Medicine. Clarke et al.
  • Tumour immunology: Antibodies lend support to tumours
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):158 (2010)
    It has been reported that interleukin-21 (IL-21) drives the differentiation of T follicular helper (TFH) cells and is essential for effective germinal centre B cell responses. However, it was not clear whether the B cells in the germinal centre are themselves dependent on IL-21 or if the key requirement for IL-21 is in promoting TFH cell functions.
  • Immune adaptations that maintain homeostasis with the intestinal microbiota
    Hooper LV Macpherson AJ - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):159 (2010)
    This study explains how B cells can contribute to cancer development. It shows that antibodies, by engaging activating Fc receptors for IgG (FcγRs) on myeloid cells in premalignant lesions, favour the generation of a chronic inflammatory environment that promotes carcinogenesis.
  • The regulation of IL-10 production by immune cells
    Saraiva M O'Garra A - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):170 (2010)
    Humans harbour nearly 100 trillion intestinal bacteria that are essential for health. Millions of years of co-evolution have moulded this human–microorganism interaction into a symbiotic relationship in which gut bacteria make essential contributions to human nutrient metabolism and in return occupy a nutrient-rich environment. Although intestinal microorganisms carry out essential functions for their hosts, they pose a constant threat of invasion owing to their sheer numbers and the large intestinal surface area. In this Review, we discuss the unique adaptations of the intestinal immune system that maintain homeostatic interactions with a diverse resident microbiota.
  • WASP: a key immunological multitasker
    Thrasher AJ Burns SO - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):182 (2010)
    Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties, has a central role in infection by limiting the immune response to pathogens and thereby preventing damage to the host. Recently, an increasing interest in how IL10 expression is regulated in different immune cells has revealed some of the molecular mechanisms involved at the levels of signal transduction, epigenetics, transcription factor binding and gene activation. Understanding the specific molecular events that regulate the production of IL-10 will help to answer the remaining questions that are important for the design of new strategies of immune intervention.
  • Organization of immunological memory by bone marrow stroma
    Tokoyoda K Hauser AE Nakayama T Radbruch A - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):193 (2010)
    The Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) is an important regulator of the actin cytoskeleton that is required for many haematopoietic and immune cell functions, including effective migration, phagocytosis and immune synapse formation. Loss of WASP activity leads to Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, an X-linked disease that is associated with defects in a broad range of cellular processes, resulting in complex immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and microthrombocytopenia. Intriguingly, gain of function mutations cause a separate disease that is mainly characterized by neutropenia. Here, we describe recent insights into the cellular mechanisms of these two related, but distinct, human diseases and discuss their wider implications for haematopoiesis, immune function and autoimmunity.
  • Awakening dormant haematopoietic stem cells
    Trumpp A Essers M Wilson A - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):201 (2010)
    Immunological memory is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system. Plasma cells and memory B and T cells collectively provide protective immunity and effective secondary immune responses to invading pathogens. Here, we discuss how mesenchymal stromal cells regulate immunological memory by organizing defined numbers of dedicated survival niches for plasma cells and memory T cells in the bone marrow and also, to a lesser extent, in secondary lymphoid organs. An understanding of the biology of mesenchymal stromal cells and their interaction with cells of the immune system is key to fully understanding immunological memory.
  • NLRP3 inflammasome activation: the convergence of multiple signalling pathways on ROS production?
    Tschopp J Schroder K - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):210 (2010)
    Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in mouse bone marrow are located in specialized niches as single cells. During homeostasis, signals from this environment keep some HSCs dormant, which preserves long-term self-renewal potential, while other HSCs actively self renew to maintain haematopoiesis. In response to haematopoietic stress, dormant HSCs become activated and rapidly replenish the haematopoietic system. Interestingly, three factors — granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interferon-α and arsenic trioxide — have been shown to efficiently activate dormant stem cells and thereby could break their resistance to anti-proliferative chemotherapeutics. Thus, we propose that two-step strategies could target resistant leukaemic stem cells by priming tumours with activators of dormancy followed by chemotherapy or targeted therapies.
  • Erratum: Toll-like receptor signalling in the intestinal epithelium: how bacterial recognition shapes intestinal function
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(3):215 (2010)
    The NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that activates caspase 1, leading to the processing and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by a wide range of danger signals that derive not only from microorganisms but also from metabolic dysregulation. It is unclear how these highly varied stress signals can be detected by a single inflammasome. In this Opinion article, we review the different signalling pathways that have been proposed to engage the NLRP3 inflammasome and suggest a model in which one of the crucial elements for NLRP3 activation is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Hot off the presses! May 01 Nature Reviews Immunology

The May 01 issue of the Nature Reviews Immunology is now up on Pubget (About Nature Reviews Immunology): if you're at a subscribing institution, just click the link in the latest link at the home page. (Note you'll only be able to get all the PDFs in the issue if your institution subscribes to Pubget.)

Latest Articles Include:

  • From the editors
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):285 (2010)
    In this issue, we present a series of comprehensive Review, Perspective and Comment articles on the field of therapeutic antibodies, highlighting the recent advances and future challenges for their development and use in the treatment of cancer, autoimmunity and infectious diseases.Georges Köhler and César Milstein first described the hybridoma technique for the production of monoclonal antibodies in 1975, a discovery that revolutionized science and medicine.
  • Innate immunity: Ready, AIM, fire!
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):287 (2010)
    Reporting in Nature Immunology, two independent groups of researchers provide the first genetic evidence that the DNA sensor AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) is crucial for immunity against certain bacterial infections and DNA viruses.AIM2 was recently identified as a cytoplasmic receptor that recognizes double-stranded DNA and assembles with the caspase 1-activating adaptor protein ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) to form the AIM2 inflammasome.
  • Viral immunity: How CMV bypasses immune memory
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):288 (2010)
    Persistent infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) induces high-frequency CMV-specific T cell responses and high titres of neutralizing antibodies, but this immune response cannot prevent superinfection with another strain of CMV. A study published in Science now explains the mechanism behind this ability of secondary CMV infections to evade immune memory.
  • Immune regulation: Tidy TIM
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):288 (2010)
    The T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain family member TIM4 (also known as TIMD4) is expressed by macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) and binds to both phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells and to TIM1 (also known as TIMD1) on activated T cells. TIM4 has been attributed with both activating and inhibitory immune functions but its predominant role in vivo has remained unclear.
  • T cell responses: IL-2 overrules tolerogenic liver responses
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):289 (2010)
    Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the liver generally induce T cell tolerance rather than T cell immunity. Of the APCs in the liver, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are highly adept at taking up soluble antigens from the blood and cross-presenting these antigens on MHC class I molecules to passing naive CD8+ T cells.
  • Immune tolerance: New peacekeepers identified
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):290 (2010)
    Lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs) have been shown to be mediators of antigen-specific peripheral T cell tolerance through the expression of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs). However, the specific cell subsets involved were not known.
  • Scientific basis for 'man flu'
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):290 (2010)
    Men may have weaker immune systems than women and suffer disease more seriously and for longer, say scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK. The study, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (24 Mar 2010), gives scientific credence to the phenomenon colloquially referred to as 'man flu' and suggests that "Maybe men aren't just playing sick, but really are more susceptible" (The Times, 24 Mar 2010).
  • Innate immunity: Toll tremors
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):291 (2010)
    Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which affected individuals suffer from recurring, unprovoked seizures. There is evidence to suggest that inflammatory processes can promote seizures, and damage to the brain following neurotrauma, stroke or infection is associated with a high risk of developing epilepsy.
  • In brief: Therapeutic antibodies, Therapeutic antibodies, Therapeutic antibodies
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):291 (2010)
    Anti-phospholipid human monoclonal antibodies inhibit CCR5-tropic HIV-1 and induce β-chemokines Moody , M. A.et al. J. Exp. Med. 207, 763–776 (2010)
  • Tumour immunology: Promoting tolerance
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):292 (2010)
    Tumour cells can promote their survival by shifting the host immune response from immunogenic to tolerogenic. Swartz and colleagues have shown that tumours can do this by exploiting a pathway that is normally involved in maintaining tolerance in the lymph node stroma.
  • In brief: Autoimmunity, Regulatory T cells, Innate immunity
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):292 (2010)
    T helper type 1 and 17 cells determine efficacy of interferon-β in multiple sclerosis and experimental encephalomyelitis Axtell , R. C.et al. Nature Med. 16, 406–412 (2010)
  • Mucosal immunology: Inflammasome activation in the gut
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):293 (2010)
    Innate immune signalling pathways triggered by commensal bacteria have an important role in maintaining homeostasis in the gut. However, excessive inflammation is known to contribute to the development of colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer.
  • Therapeutic antibodies: past, present and future
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):297 (2010)
    Over the past 10 years, the market for monoclonal antibodies has grown exponentially. This focus issue brings together articles on the basic biology of antibodies and their therapeutic use, providing an overview of the latest prospects and continued challenges for the development of safe, efficient and affordable therapeutic antibodies.
  • Comment: Can primary immunodeficiencies help to provide insights into infectious risks of therapeutic antibodies?
    - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):299 (2010)
    Patients treated with monoclonal antibodies directed against immunological molecules may be viewed as being similar to patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) of the corresponding antibody target, with regards to infectious risk. László Maródi and Jean-Laurent Casanova propose that the natural history of PIDs might indicate which infectious diseases should be monitored in patients receiving therapeutic antibodies.
  • Therapeutic antibodies for autoimmunity and inflammation
    Chan AC Carter PJ - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):301 (2010)
    The development of therapeutic antibodies has evolved over the past decade into a mainstay of therapeutic options for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Substantial advances in understanding the biology of human diseases have been made and tremendous benefit to patients has been gained with the first generation of therapeutic antibodies. The lessons learnt from these antibodies have provided the foundation for the discovery and development of future therapeutic antibodies. Here we review how key insights obtained from the development of therapeutic antibodies complemented by newer antibody engineering technologies are delivering a second generation of therapeutic antibodies with promise for greater clinical efficacy and safety.
  • Monoclonal antibodies: versatile platforms for cancer immunotherapy
    Weiner LM Surana R Wang S - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):317 (2010)
    Antibodies are important therapeutic agents for cancer. Recently, it has become clear that antibodies possess several clinically relevant mechanisms of action. Many clinically useful antibodies can manipulate tumour-related signalling. In addition, antibodies exhibit various immunomodulatory properties and, by directly activating or inhibiting molecules of the immune system, antibodies can promote the induction of antitumour immune responses. These immunomodulatory properties can form the basis for new cancer treatment strategies.
  • FcγRIIB in autoimmunity and infection: evolutionary and therapeutic implications
    Smith KG Clatworthy MR - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):328 (2010)
    FcγRIIB is the only inhibitory Fc receptor. It controls many aspects of immune and inflammatory responses, and variation in the gene encoding this protein has long been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). FcγRIIB is also involved in the complex regulation of defence against infection. A loss-of-function polymorphism in FcγRIIB protects against severe malaria, the investigation of which is beginning to clarify the evolutionary pressures that drive ethnic variation in autoimmunity. Our increased understanding of the function of FcγRIIB also has potentially far-reaching therapeutic implications, being involved in the mechanism of action of intravenous immunoglobulin, controlling the efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy and providing a direct therapeutic target.
  • Strategies and challenges for the next generation of therapeutic antibodies
    Beck A Wurch T Bailly C Corvaia N - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):345 (2010)
    Antibodies and related products are the fastest growing class of therapeutic agents. By analysing the regulatory approvals of IgG-based biotherapeutic agents in the past 10 years, we can gain insights into the successful strategies used by pharmaceutical companies so far to bring innovative drugs to the market. Many challenges will have to be faced in the next decade to bring more efficient and affordable antibody-based drugs to the clinic. Here, we discuss strategies to select the best therapeutic antigen targets, to optimize the structure of IgG antibodies and to design related or new structures with additional functions.
  • Dynamic imaging of host–pathogen interactions in vivo
    Coombes JL Robey EA - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):353 (2010)
    In the past decade, advances in microscopic imaging methods, together with the development of genetically encoded fluorescent reporters, have made it possible to directly visualize the behaviour of cells in living tissues. At the same time, immunologists have been turning their attention from the traditional focus on responses to model antigens to a new focus on in vivo infection models. Recently, these two trends have intersected with exciting results. Here we discuss how dynamic imaging of in vivo infection has revealed fascinating and unexpected details of host–pathogen interactions at a new level of spatial and temporal resolution.
  • Nuclear receptor transrepression pathways that regulate inflammation in macrophages and T cells
    Glass CK Saijo K - Nature Reviews Immunology 10(5):365 (2010)
    Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors regulate diverse aspects of immunity and inflammation by both positively and negatively regulating gene expression. Here, we review recent studies providing insights into the distinct mechanisms that enable nuclear receptors to antagonize pro-inflammatory programmes of gene expression in macrophages and T cells by altering the turnover or recruitment of co-repressors and co-activators in a gene-specific manner. These nuclear receptor-dependent transrepression pathways are proposed to have roles in controlling the initiation, magnitude and duration of pro-inflammatory gene expression and are amenable to pharmacological manipulation.

Hot off the presses! May 01 Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology

The May 01 issue of the Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology is now up on Pubget (About Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology): if you're at a subscribing institution, just click the link in the latest link at the home page. (Note you'll only be able to get all the PDFs in the issue if your institution subscribes to Pubget.)

Latest Articles Include: