The initiation of autoimmune diabetes

E A Green, R A Flavell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

It is speculated that presentation of self-peptides to autoreactive T cells normally results in T cell tolerance. In autoimmune conditions, breakdown in the tolerization process results in activation of self-reactive T cells and an immune attack on host tissues. Our understanding of the immune cells and signaling pathways that contribute to this breakdown in T cell tolerization mechanisms is beginning to be deciphered. In particular, the elucidation of the mechanisms that contribute to the release of host antigen, the identification of the antigen-presenting cells that present the host peptides to self-reactive T cells and the role of members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor/ligand families that contribute to inappropriate activation of self-reactive T cells is advancing. The accumulating data from these studies will hopefully provide new ideas for combating autoimmunity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)663-9
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent opinion in immunology
Volume11
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 1999

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction

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