L-Myc Expression by Dendritic Cells Is Required for Optimal T-Cell Priming To examine the in vivo function of Mycl1 in mice, scientists generated an inactivating Mycl1gfp allele that also reports Mycl1 expression. They find that Mycl1 is selectively expressed in dendritic cells (DCs) of the immune system and controlled by IRF8, and that during DC development, Mycl1 expression is initiated in the common DC progenitor concurrent with reduction in c-Myc expression. [Nature] Abstract Stage-Specific Control of Early B Cell Development by the Transcription Factor Ikaros The transcription factor Ikaros is an essential regulator of lymphopoiesis. Here researchers studied its B cell-specific function by conditional inactivation of the gene encoding Ikaros (Ikzf1) in pro-B cells. [Nat Immunol] Abstract Transcriptome-Based Network Analysis Reveals a Spectrum Model of Human Macrophage Activation The authors stimulated human macrophages with diverse activation signals, acquiring a data set of 299 macrophage transcriptomes. Analysis of this data set revealed a spectrum of macrophage activation states extending the current M1 versus M2-polarization model. [Immunity] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release Autoimmune Disorders Associated with Gain of Function of the Intracellular Sensor MDA5 Investigators provide direct evidence that dysregulation of MDA5 caused autoimmune disorders. They established a mutant mouse line bearing MDA5 mutation by ENU mutagenesis, which spontaneously developed lupus-like autoimmune symptoms without viral infection. [Immunity] Abstract Crosstalk between the cGAS DNA Sensor and Beclin-1 Autophagy Protein Shapes Innate Antimicrobial Immune Responses Scientists report that the direct interaction between cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS) and the Beclin-1 autophagy protein not only suppresses cyclic GMP-AMP synthesis to halt interferon production upon double-stranded DNA stimulation or herpes simplex virus-1 infection, but also enhances autophagy-mediated degradation of cytosolic pathogen DNA to prevent excessive cGAS activation and persistent immune stimulation. [Cell Host Microbe] Full Article | Graphical Abstract IRF4 and BATF Are Critical for CD8+ T-Cell Function following Infection with LCMV The authors showed that the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and its cooperating binding partner B-cell-activating transcription factor (BATF) are necessary for sustained CD8+ T-cell effector function. [Cell Death Differ] Full Article An Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand Acts on Dendritic Cells and T Cells to Suppress the Th17 Response in Allergic Rhinitis Patients Researchers analyzed the effect of aryl hydrocarbon receptor on Th17 differentiation by investigating the action of 2-(1′H-indole-3′-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester on dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells from patients with allergic rhinitis. [Lab Invest] Abstract Tissue-Expressed B7-H1 Critically Controls Intestinal Inflammation B7-H1 (PD-L1) on immune cells plays an important role in T cell coinhibition by binding its receptor PD-1. Here, researchers showed that both human and mouse intestinal epithelium express B7-H1 and that B7-H1-deficient mice are highly susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate- or trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced gut injury. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Connexon Creative is evaluating reader interest in a new social media platform. Fill out this quick survey for your chance to win 1 of 4 $25 gift cards! Take survey here |