Driven to autoimmunity: the nod mouse

Cell. 2004 Apr 16;117(2):149-51. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(04)00340-x.

Abstract

In the lymphoid system, T cells respond to space or under-crowding by dividing to maintain their numbers. In this issue of Cell, evidence is provided that this homeostatic proliferation, coupled with excess production of a cytokine, IL-21, is a key factor in susceptibility to autoimmune diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division / immunology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / immunology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / physiopathology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Interleukins / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Lymphopenia / genetics
  • Lymphopenia / immunology
  • Lymphopenia / physiopathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD / genetics
  • Mice, Inbred NOD / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukins
  • interleukin-21