Requirements for viral-mediated autoimmune diabetes: β-cell damage and immune infiltration

Marc S. Horwitz, Cody Fine, Alex Ilic, Nora Sarvetnick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

The induction of autoimmunity by viruses has been attributed to numerous mechanisms. Coxsackievirus B4 (CB4) induces insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in mice resembling the final step of disease progression in humans. Following viral infection, autoreactive lymphocytes are activated through exposure to damaged islets consequently precipitating IDDM. However, the viral and host requirements leading up to this final step have yet to be elucidated. We provide evidence that disease induction requires a pre-existing accumulation of β-cell specific autoreactive T cells within the pancreas, as well as the infection of islet β-cells. Therefore, the primary role of CB4 in the development of IDDM is to infect tissue, resulting in the presentation of sequestered islet antigen, the stimulation of preexisting autoreactive T cells, and the initiation of disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)211-217
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Autoimmunity
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Coxsackievirus
  • Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
  • T lymphocytes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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