T cells recognize both conformational and cryptic determinants on the insulin molecule.
T lymphocytes from strain 2 guinea pigs were studied for recognition of isolated insulin A and B chains. Insulin-immune T cells require intact conformation of the interchain disulfide bond that forms the A chain loop but do not require the B chain. In addition, strain 2 T cells were unexpectedly found to recognize unique epitopes on isolated insulin B chain that are not generated by presentation of native insulin. These data show that the T cell repertoire of strain 2 guinea pig for insulin includes both conformational and cryptic determinants.
Thomas
J W
JW
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
George-Gattner
H
H
Danho
W
W
D000818:Animals; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007328:Insulin / Q000276:immunology*; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000939:Epitopes; D007328:Insulin