The molecular checkpoints in ILC2s that determine whether to launch a proinflammatory response are unknown. Zang et al. show that the dynamic regulation of RXRγ expression and its mediated lipid metabolic states function as a cell-intrinsic molecular checkpoint that confers the activation threshold of ILC2s in the small intestine.
Category: Immunology
Nutrition impact on ILC3 maintenance and function centers on a cell-intrinsic CD71–iron axis
AI SummaryIron metabolism in group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) controls cell proliferation, host protection against infection, and mitochondrial respiration. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) regulates the expression of the transferrin receptor CD71, which mediates iron uptake. Ahr directly inhibits CD71 transcription by binding to its promoter. Iron overload partly restores ILC3 function in Ahr-deficient… Continue reading Nutrition impact on ILC3 maintenance and function centers on a cell-intrinsic CD71–iron axis
Activation of the transcription factor NFAT5 in the tumor microenvironment enforces CD8+ T cell exhaustion
AI SummaryThe text discusses how NFAT5, a transcription factor, is highly expressed in exhausted CD8+ T cells in chronic infections and tumors. It is selectively required in tumor-induced CD8+ T cell exhaustion. Overexpression of NFAT5 reduces tumor control, while deletion of NFAT5 improves tumor control by promoting the accumulation of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells that… Continue reading Activation of the transcription factor NFAT5 in the tumor microenvironment enforces CD8+ T cell exhaustion
Cancer- and infection-induced T cell exhaustion are distinct
AI SummaryThe transcription factor NFAT5 regulates T cell exhaustion in cancer but not in chronic viral infection. CD8+ T cell exhaustion is a dysfunctional state caused by chronic exposure to antigen and signals from the microenvironment. Exhaustion can occur in both cancer and chronic infection and is correlated with negative outcomes in cancer patients. The… Continue reading Cancer- and infection-induced T cell exhaustion are distinct
Disorder-based T cell developmental order
AI SummaryScientists have discovered that an intrinsically disordered region in the transcription factor TCF-1 plays a vital role in coordinating T cell lineage commitment. This finding sheds light on the importance of these flexible protein domains in cellular function.Many transcription factors contain intrinsically disordered regions whose functions are not well characterized. An intrinsically disordered region… Continue reading Disorder-based T cell developmental order
Interferon-gamma essential for lung-resident memory B cell development after influenza infection
AI SummaryDuring a bout of influenza, B cells take different paths to defend the body. Some become antibody producing cells, while others become lung-resident memory B cells (lung-BRMs) that provide long-term immunity in the lungs. Understanding the mechanism of lung-BRM development is important for improving flu vaccines. A study has shown that interferon-gamma produced by… Continue reading Interferon-gamma essential for lung-resident memory B cell development after influenza infection
A protein on cancer cells supports the immune response against tumors
Scientists identify a new and surprising function of a membrane protein on the surface of cancer cells: It supports and stabilizes an important ‘co-stimulatory’ factor that enhances the activation of T cells, thus improving the immune response against the tumor.
‘Dormant’ HIV produces RNA and proteins during anti-retroviral therapy
HIV anti-retroviral therapy is considered a treatment and not a cure because patients usually carry a reservoir of HIV-infected cells that can re-emerge if treatment stops. These reservoirs have long been thought to be dormant, but two independent groups of researchers report that a subset of these cells spontaneously produce HIV RNA and proteins that… Continue reading ‘Dormant’ HIV produces RNA and proteins during anti-retroviral therapy
Why the CDC has recommended new covid boosters for all
AI SummaryEveryone over 6 months old should get the latest covid-19 booster according to a federal expert panel. The booster could prevent 100,000 more hospitalizations per year. The CDC’s Advisory Committee voted in favor of the motion. The FDA has approved the new booster. Only 17% of the population received the last booster, but those… Continue reading Why the CDC has recommended new covid boosters for all
How Hemp Fights Inflammation
AI SummaryA research team from Friedrich Schiller University Jena studied how certain ingredients from the cannabis plant counteract inflammation and found that all cannabinoids investigated had anti-inflammatory effects. The study also showed that CBD induces a switch in immune cells, leading to the production of inflammation-resolving messenger substances. These findings could potentially lead to new… Continue reading How Hemp Fights Inflammation