In this month's issue, several articles focus on the development and functions of different effector B and T cell populations. Each type of effector lymphocyte is characterized by special immune 'superpowers', and together they collaborate to protect us not only from pathogenic challenge but also, in the case of autoimmunity and cancer, from ourselves. It is this 'Justice League of Inflammatia' that provided the inspiration for this month's cover by our art editor, Simon Bradbrook.

William Paul and Jinfang Zhu (page 225) discuss the factors that promote the development of T helper 2 (TH2) cells. By secreting cytokines such as interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, 'TH2-man' saves the day following helminth infection. However, not all worms are villains, and William and Margaret Harnett describe the therapeutic potential of helminth-derived molecules on page 278.

Frances Lund and Troy Randall (page 236) explain that the abilities of our 'B-men' extend beyond antibody production, describing how different effector B cell subsets promote both inflammatory and regulatory immune responses. 'TH17-man' protects us from mucosal pathogens, but he also exacerbates autoimmune attacks; can we rely on this anti-hero to protect us from cancer? Weiping Zou and Nicholas Restifo discuss this on page 248.

Let us not forget our budding young superheroes: on page 278, the importance of the soluble messenger molecule inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate for B and T cell development is described by Karsten Sauer and Michael Cooke. And finally, would you like to know what makes our 'T-men' tick? Thanks to support from Epinova DPU and Cellzome, we are delighted to bring you our latest free Poster at http://www.nature.com/nri/posters/tcrkinases/index.html, which illustrates the proximal tyrosine kinases that are involved in T cell activation.