In this issue of JEM, Çakan et al. explore a CXCL4-mediated mechanism by which TLRs cause autoimmunity in human B cells, breaching bone marrow tolerance.

In this issue of JEM, the work of Joachim et al. (2023) on knockin mice with a specific tail mutation in LAT provides valuable insights about cytotoxic CD4⁺ T cells and human inflammatory diseases.

In this Viewpoint, we hear from a cross section of women, across multiple research fields, discussing their science and the process of setting up a lab as an independent researcher. As well as being able to celebrate the positives of becoming an independent researcher, we would also like to use this platform to discuss the unique challenges they face as women scientists in their respective scientific environments.