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Reflections on immunological nomenclature: in praise of imperfection

Nature Immunology volume 17, pages 215–216 (2016)Cite this article

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To the Editor:

Forging and amending nomenclature is a challenge at a time of growing complexity and plasticity. In life and science, names are essential communication tools within a community and among communities. Assigning names has profound anthropological implications ranging from signifying function to claiming affiliation or property1. The immunological community has a track record of remarkable achievements in conducting worldwide cooperative efforts, resolving nomenclature issues and devising invaluable working tools (for example, the 'CD' family). Inasmuch as names are invaluable working tools, their definition and appropriate usage has heuristic value. Genomic landscaping and single-cell analysis have now added a new dimension to immunological complexity and represent a challenge for the definition of nomenclature and its usage. Here I would like to share some reflections on this key aspect of life in the immunological community, capitalizing on my experience, including mistakes.

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Acknowledgements

Epistemological considerations and literature cited stemmed from discussions with P. Mantovani.

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  1. Humanitas University, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Milan, Italy

    Alberto Mantovani

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  1. Alberto Mantovani
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Correspondence to Alberto Mantovani.

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The author declares no competing financial interests.

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Mantovani, A. Reflections on immunological nomenclature: in praise of imperfection. Nat Immunol 17, 215–216 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ni.3354

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