Immunological Puzzle Resolved

When they mature, immune cells develop structures on their surface that are able to bind to foreign proteins. Scientists have been trying to elucidate the mechanisms that prevent the immune system from turning against the body’s own material. Meinrad Busslinger at the IMP and collaborators at the University College London are now able to describe a phenomenon called ‘allelic exclusion’. They publish their findings in the current issue of Nature Immunology.

Original Publication: Locus 'decontraction' and centromeric recruitment contribute to allelic exclusion of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene. Roldan et al., Nature Immunology 6, 31-41, 5 December 2004.

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