Characterization of Autoreactive Regulatory and Conventional CD4 T Cells in Recent Onset Type 1 Diabetes and Control Individuals

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by an autoimmune response leading to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The disease association with particular HLA class II alleles, particularly HLA-DQ8, indicates the implication of CD4 T cells in its aetiology. The hypothesis is therefore that T1D starts by the loss of tolerance in autoreactive CD4 T cells. This might result from alterations in conventional autoreactive CD4 T cells (Tcons), which drive disease, or autoreactive regulatory CD4 T cells expressing the transcription factor FOXP3 (Tregs), which normally maintain immune tolerance. The investigators expect that the characterization of HLA-DQ8-restricted Tcons and Tregs in recent onset HLA-DQ8+ T1D patients shall shed light on the molecular mechanisms underpinning T1D development. This knowledge will guide the development of novel cell therapies harnessing the power of genetically engineered Tregs expressing the relevant antigen receptor to restore immune homeostasis upon cell transfer. The ultimate goal is to reach a curative effect