[PDF][PDF] NKT cells inhibit the onset of diabetes by impairing the development of pathogenic T cells specific for pancreatic β cells

L Beaudoin, V Laloux, J Novak, B Lucas, A Lehuen - Immunity, 2002 - cell.com
L Beaudoin, V Laloux, J Novak, B Lucas, A Lehuen
Immunity, 2002cell.com
To determine the precise regulatory effect of NKT cells on CD4+ T cells involved in
autoimmune diabetes, we developed an in vivo model in which transferred naive transgenic
T cells are stimulated by their antigen in the presence or absence of NKT cells or in the
presence of another conventional transgenic αβ T cell. The presence of NKT cells did not
block the initial activation and expansion of the CD4+ T cells but did inhibit their IL-2 and IFN-
γ production and later proliferation, resulting in an anergic phenotype. These CD4+ T cells …
Abstract
To determine the precise regulatory effect of NKT cells on CD4+ T cells involved in autoimmune diabetes, we developed an in vivo model in which transferred naive transgenic T cells are stimulated by their antigen in the presence or absence of NKT cells or in the presence of another conventional transgenic αβ T cell. The presence of NKT cells did not block the initial activation and expansion of the CD4+ T cells but did inhibit their IL-2 and IFN-γ production and later proliferation, resulting in an anergic phenotype. These CD4+ T cells did not induce significant insulitis and were unable to destroy the β cells. Thus, NKT cells prevent αβ CD4 T cell differentiation into effector cells.
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