Haematopoiesis is a process relying on haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their complex interactions with the microenvironment. A new study by Pinho et al. identifies the adhesion molecule VCAM1 as an immune checkpoint that protects haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, as well as leukaemic cells, from monocytic phagocytosis.
- Anna Maria Paczulla Stanger
- Claudia Lengerke