title: Recent insights into CD4+ T-cell specificity and function in type 1 diabetes.
abstract: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by T-cell-mediated destruction of the insulin-producing beta-cells in the pancreas. Genetic and immunological evidence from humans and mouse models indicates that CD4(+) T cells play a crucial role in the development and prevention of T1D. The dichotomy between CD4(+) T regulatory and effector T cells has encouraged research into the role of these cell subsets in T1D. New antigens and epitopes recognized by CD4(+) T cells in affected individuals have been identified. Growing knowledge of T-cell specificity and function is helping to develop new assays for analyzing islet antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells from human blood. Here we discuss, with particular reference to human studies, advances in our understanding of CD4(+) T-cell responses in T1D.
authors.affiliation: Autoimmunity & Transplantation Division, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. mannering@wehi.edu.au
authors.forename: Stuart I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Mannering
authors.forename: Thomas C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Brodnicki