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Editor's Choice

Jane Gilmour and Paul Lavender
Control of IL-4 expression in T helper 1 and 2 cells
Immunology 124 (4) 437-444
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02845.x

The mechanism of differentiation of naïve T cells to a variety of effector lineages, particularly Th1 and Th2 cells, has been the subject of intense scrutiny over the past two decades. Regulation of IL-4 expression has been of particular interest for two main reasons: first because IL-4 acts as a growth factor for Th2 cells, and second because of its role in the induction of immunoglobulin class switching to igE, which plays a critical role in mediating allergic responses. Study of the pathways that promote this tissue-restricted expression of IL-4 may highlight potential areas for therapeutic intervention and the current state-of-play is summarised in this review by Lavender & Gilmore.

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Christy Toms, Heidi Jessup, Claire Thompson, Dilair Baban, Kay Davies and Fiona Powrie
Gpr83 expression is not required for the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and regulation of T-cell-dependent colitis
Immunology (Early View Articles)
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02857.x

Tregs are integral to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, where an intricate balance between tolerance and immunity must be maintained. Recently, studies have focused on the identification of molecules involved in the function and/or development of Tregs. One such molecule, Gpr83, has been identified through gene expression analysis as being overexpressed within thymic and peripheral naturally arising Treg populations (nTregs). This study from Powrie et al. aims to further define the characteristics of Gpr83 expression and to investigate the role of Gpr83 in Treg development and function through the generation and analysis of Gpr83-deficient mice.

 

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