HLA-E-restricted regulatory CD8(+) T cells are involved in development and control of human autoimmune type 1 diabetes.

ABSTRACT: A key feature of the immune system is its ability to discriminate self from nonself. Breakdown in any of the mechanisms that maintain unresponsiveness to self (a state known as self-tolerance) contributes to the development of autoimmune conditions. Recent studies in mice show that CD8(+) T cells specific for the unconventional MHC class I molecule Qa-1 bound to peptides derived from the signal sequence of Hsp60 (Hsp60sp) contribute to self/nonself discrimination. However, it is unclear whether they exist in humans and play a role in human autoimmune diseases. Here we have shown that CD8(+) T cells specific for Hsp60sp bound to HLA-E (the human homolog of Qa-1) exist and play an important role in maintaining peripheral self-tolerance by discriminating self from nonself in humans. Furthermo

SUBMITTER: Jiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2947239 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature