T cell and autoantibody recognition of nucleus-associated islet autoantigens in individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors' conclusion
The observation that T cell and antibody responses can target nucleus-associated self-antigens confirms and extends previously published studies. Disease-associated recognition of a class of proteins that are not exclusively expressed in pancreatic islets implies a systemic autoimmune component to the disease process. Linked antibody recognition does not appear to be a general phenomenon, suggesting a subtle relationship between humoral and cellular responses to these self-antigens.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with T1D and HLA-matched controls (DRB1*04:01 or DRB1*03:01); islet-derived T cells from pancreatic organ donors with T1D
- Comparison
- Individuals with T1D vs HLA haplotype-matched controls
- Outcome
- Frequency of NUP50- and MLH1-specific CD4+ T cells
Methodological detailsHLA class II tetramer staining, HLA-matched controls
- HLA class II tetramer staining
- HLA-matched controls
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Three novel DRB1*03:01-restricted NUP50 epitopes and four novel DRB1*04:01-restricted MLH1 epitopes identified, present in peripheral blood of individuals with T1D and among pancreatic islet infiltrates
- T1D vs Controls: P = 0.0012
- T1D vs Controls: 0.030
Further findings
MLH1 and NUP50 antibodies
- Elevated MLH1 and NUP50 antibody levels in T1D, especially with the previously associated HLA-DR types; high titres did not always correlate with elevated T cell frequency
Original publication
T cell and autoantibody recognition of nucleus-associated islet autoantigens in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Diabetologia. Published 9 June 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →