Immune cells that recognize 'self' tissues need to be eliminated or controlled in order to prevent autoimmune diseases. Here, a T-cell population is delineated that is necessary to maintain self tolerance in mice. Genetic disruption of the inhibitory interaction between these CD8+ T cells and their target Qa-1+ follicular T-helper cells results in a lethal systemic-lupus-erythematosus-like autoimmune disease.
- Hye-Jung Kim
- Bert Verbinnen
- Harvey Cantor
