The new paradigm of T-cell homeostatic proliferation-induced autoimmunity.
In lymphopenic conditions, T cells expand to re-establish homeostasis by a process dependent on self-peptide-MHC recognition and the availability of proliferation- and survival-promoting cytokines. Although physiologically normal, chronic recurrence of this process might lead to selection of high-affinity self-reactive T-cell clones and autoimmune disease in susceptible individuals. A recent study in a diabetes-prone mouse model has provided strong evidence to support this hypothesis.
Baccala
Roberto
R
Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Theofilopoulos
Argyrios N
AN
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*