Activation of autoreactive CD4+ T cells is synchronous to islet autoantibody seroconversion and shows an IFNγ signature

Abstract

Islet autoantibody seroconversion is the first detectable evidence of autoimmunity preceding type 1 diabetes. Autoantibodies are markers of pre-diabetes, but T cells mediate beta cell destruction. Little is known about the timing of autoreactive T cell activation against beta cell antigens in the prediabetic period.