The authors identify a Cys→Ser transformation (C19S) in insulin leading to neoepitope presentation and CD4⁺ T cell autoreactivity in type 1 diabetes. Inflammation and oxidative stress enhanced C19S transformation in β cells and antigen-presenting cells, resulting in C19S-specific CD4⁺ T cells with an activated memory phenotype linked to disease progression.
- Neetu Srivastava
- Anthony N. Vomund
- Xiaoxiao Wan