Type 2 ILCs (ILC2s) play an important role in dealing with parasites and are implicated in allergy. Andrew McKenzie’s group has discovered that the transcription factor RORα acts as a checkpoint controlling divergence between T cell and ILC2 development.
Insight on Research
A new 2D protein material for studying receptor endocytosis
Emmanuel Derivery’s group, in collaboration with David Baker’s group in Seattle, have, for the first time, re-engineered two proteins so that they assemble into a 2D material and used this design to investigate a fundamental process of cell biology, receptor endocytosis.
TRIM21 links antibody and T cell immunity to combat viral infection
Our immune system generates a strong antibody response against nucleoproteins, but the role of this has not been understood. Leo James’ group has revealed a new mechanism that could have important implications for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and treatment.
First structure of a fungal GPCR
Human GPCRs are the targets of approximately 34% of all FDA-approved drugs. GPCRs in fungi could also be useful drug targets, but no structures of fungal GPCRs had been solved. Chris Tate’s group has now determined the first structure of a fungal GPCR.
Ribosomal rescue in our mitochondria
Mitochondrial ribosomes are different from those in the cytoplasm of human cells and little is known about their quality control. Venki Ramakrishnan’s group has discovered a novel pathway to rescue stalled mitoribosomes and determined structures of the rescue factors.
A connection between stress detection and lifestyle decisions in worms
Rebecca Taylor’s group has identified a signalling molecule that connects detection of a stressful environment by the nervous system with molecular defence mechanisms in other tissues and leads to changes in feeding behaviour and reproduction.