Mutations that are acquired throughout life, known as somatic mutations, are perhaps best known for their role in cancer development. Writing in Nature, Nicola et al.1 use a high-fidelity DNA-sequencing technique to pinpoint hard-to-detect somatic mutations in immune cells, helping to clarify how some autoimmune conditions might develop. Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Nicola, P. A. et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10493-9 (2026). Burnet, F. M. The Clonal Selection Theory of Acquired Immunity. Vol. 3 (Vanderbilt Univ. Press, 1959).

Burnet, F. M. Auto-Immunity and Auto-Immune Disease (F. A. Davis, 1972). Lawson, A. R. J. et al. Nature 647, 411–420 (2025). Barroso-Sousa, R. et al. JAMA Oncol. Holzelova, E. et al. N. Engl.

Beck, D. B. et al. N. Engl. Read the paper: Polyclonal selection of immune checkpoint mutations in thyroid autoimmunity Ultra-sensitive DNA sequencing maps mutations that precede cancer The search for mutations that sperm acquire as men age

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