Accelerated Systemic Autoimmunity in the Absence of Somatic Hypermutation in 564Igi: A Mouse Model of Systemic Lupus with Knocked-In Heavy and Light Chain Genes.

564Igi mice have knocked-in immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) and light (L) chain genes that encode an autoantibody recognizing RNA. Previously, we showed that these mice produce pathogenic IgG autoantibodies when activation-induced deaminase (AID) is expressed in pre-B and immature B cells but not when it is expressed only in mature B cells. AID has two functions; it is necessary for somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR).

NEST 2014: views from the trainees-talking about what matters in efforts to diversify the STEM workforce.

This paper summarizes the outcomes of a retreat designed to cultivate interactions between trainees at various training levels and provide them opportunities to share their training perspectives and expectations. Retreat outcomes are used to support the development of better science, technology, engineering, and mathematics training practices by informing the trainers’ perspective.

Mineralocorticoid receptors in immune cells: emerging role in cardiovascular disease.

Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in humans. As such, MR antagonists improve cardiovascular outcomes but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The actions of the MR in the kidney to increase blood pressure are well known, but the recent identification of MRs in immune cells has led to novel discoveries in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease that are reviewed here.