RAGS AND REFUSE

RAGs and regulation of autoantibodies.

Autoreactive antibodies are etiologic agents in a number of autoimmune diseases. Like all other antibodies these antibodies are produced in developing B cells by V(D)J recombination in the bone marrow. Three mechanisms regulate autoreactive B cells: deletion, receptor editing, and anergy. Here we review the prevalence of autoantibodies in the initial antibody repertoire, their regulation by rec...

RAGs and BUGS: An alliance for autoimmunity

Hypomorphic Rag mutations in humans cause Omenn Syndrome (OS) a severe immunodeficiency associated with autoimmune-like manifestations mediated by oligoclonal activated T and B cells. The clinical and immunological spectrum of OS presentation is extremely broad. However, the role played by environmental triggers in the disease pathogenesis remains largely unknown. We have recently shown in a mu...

Venus of the Rags: Poverty, Power, and Reconciliation

Burning Wet Refuse

In the past a poor quality residue was frequently excused and accepted when incoming refuse had a high moisture content. This is no longer permissable. Means of coping with the wet refuse problem are summarized, based on reports from operators of IS municipal incinerators of various types, sizes and ages. The author's comments and conclusions are included.

Epigenetics Drives RAGs to Recombination Riches

V(D)J recombination of antigen receptor gene segments in B and T cells is mediated by the lymphoid-specific proteins RAG1 and RAG2. Now, Ji et al. (2010) demonstrate how RAG1 and RAG2 use DNA sequence specificity and modified histones within chromatin to target specific loci for V(D)J recombination at different stages of lymphoid development.