Until recently, the existence of long-lived IgE-secreting plasma cells was debated. Using timestamping in mouse models of type 2 inflammation, two studies in this issue of Immunity reveal the long-term persistence of IgE-secreting plasma cells in secondary lymphoid organs rather than in the bone marrow.

Allergies can persist even in the absence of allergen exposure. Miranda-Waldetario et al. find that IgE-producing plasma cells mature, acquire survival adaptations, and persist for extended periods of time in the spleen and bone marrow, secreting antibodies that can trigger anaphylaxis.

Itch has an important role as a somatosensory defensive mechanism. In this Review, Sun synthesizes CNS circuits underlying itch signal processing and its modulation in the spinal cord, transmission of...

Prenatal stress triggers molecular dysregulations in fetal neuroimmune circuits, leading to altered mast cell and sensory neuron function, which predisposes offspring to develop eczema in response to otherwise harmless mechanical friction after birth.

The causes of early-life eczema have been unclear, but evidence indicates that changes to fetal immune cells and sensory neurons during pregnancy play a key part.

The immune system senses damage to cell membranes caused by pore-forming proteins and mounts a response.

Dong et al. establish that somatic electroacupuncture potentiates gastric motility in a manner critically dependent on both stimulation intensity and needle insertion depth while delineating the underlying neuroanatomical basis comprising somatosensory primary afferents and vagal motor efferents.

Dural mast cells control cerebrospinal fluid dynamics at critical brain-dura interfaces, specifically arachnoid cuff exit points. Their activation limits pathogen brain entry via histamine-induced vas...

Nature - High-resolution imaging method could lead to wiring diagram for the whole body.

DOCK8-deficient patients and mice are prone to food allergy and oral anaphylaxis. Here, Janssen et al. demonstrate that DOCK8 deficiency yields expanded mucosal mast cells and elevated circulating tryptase concentrations. Loss of DOCK8 in T cells impairs Th17 and Treg cells, resulting in dysbiosis and unrestrained IL-4-driven mast cell expansion. Disruption of this cascade attenuates oral anaphylaxis.

DOCK8-deficient patients and mice are prone to food allergy and oral anaphylaxis. Here, Janssen et al. demonstrate that DOCK8 deficiency yields expanded mucosal mast cells and elevated circulating tryptase concentrations. Loss of DOCK8 in T cells impairs Th17 and Treg cells, resulting in dysbiosis and unrestrained IL-4-driven mast cell expansion. Disruption of this cascade attenuates oral anaphylaxis.

Enteric nervous system (ENS)–derived neuropeptides modulate immune cell function, yet our understanding of how inflammatory cues directly influence enteric neuron responses during infection is conside...

Studies of peripheral neuroimmunology have unveiled sensory biology as a powerful new lens through which both immunology and neuroscience can be viewed. In this perspective, Kim and Artis discuss recent advances in sensory neuroimmunology and highlight how it shapes our understanding of immunity, inflammation, cancer, and beyond.

Scratching where it itches reduces the presence of potentially harmful bacteria on the skin, studies in mice show.

Itch is a dominant symptom in dermatitis, and scratching promotes cutaneous inflammation, thereby worsening disease. However, the mechanisms through which scratching exacerbates inflammation and wheth...

Mast cells act as “signal converters,” translating immunological and tissue signals into host-protective behaviors. They sense antigen and possibly toxins driving avoidance behavior, which can prevent inflammation and tissue damage. Beyond classical immunity, mast cells rapidly activate antigen expulsion responses and initiate nociception. These reflexes promote host-protective behavior and maintain tissue integrity.