Measuring human autoimmune CD4+ T-cell responses in autoimmune disease

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is caused by the T-cell mediated destruction of the pancreatic, insulin-producing, beta cells. CD4+ T cells are central regulators of the autoimmune response in T1D. We have recently developed a powerful new assay that allows us to measure the antigen specific CD4+ T-cell responses in the blood of people with, or at risk of T1D [1].

This project will use our recently developed whole blood assay to investigate human CD4+ T-cell responses in T1D (and other autoimmune diseases). This project will give the student an excellent training in immunology, particularly human T-cell immunology, autoimmunity and diagnostic assay development.