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Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells
Published on: May 6, 2013
Antigen presentation events in autoimmune diabetes.
Boris Calderon1, Emil R Unanue
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Immunobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. calderon@wustl.edu
Current Opinion in Immunology
|December 20, 2011
Summary
Resident antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the islets of Langerhans are key players in autoimmune diabetes. These cells present beta cell antigens and influence T cell migration into the islets, driving disease development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, are vital immune cells found in all tissues.
- Their functions encompass antigen presentation, tissue homeostasis, and repair, with organ-specific variations.
- These variations influence how APCs handle exogenous and endogenous antigens, crucial in infections and autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of resident APCs within the islets of Langerhans.
- To understand their contribution to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Focus on the intra-islet APCs and their interactions within the pancreatic microenvironment.
- Analysis of antigen presentation and immune cell modulation by resident APCs.
Main Results:
- Intra-islet APCs are pivotal in initiating and perpetuating autoimmune diabetes.
- They present beta cell-derived antigens to initiate an autoimmune response.
- These APCs also regulate the infiltration of T cells into the islets.
Conclusions:
- Resident APCs of the islets of Langerhans are central to the development of autoimmune diabetes.
- Targeting intra-islet APC function presents a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetes.
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