Glutamic acid decarboxylase and other autoantigens in IDDM

Abstract

Autoantigens in insulin-dependent diabetes serve as diagnostic markers and as potential therapeutic immunomodulators. Recent studies have focused particularly on two well studied molecules, glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulin, as well as several new antigens that have been recently identified, recognized by antibody and/or cell-mediated immune responses in diabetic patients. Temporal aspects of antigen exposure, antigen processing of specific peptide antigens, and the interplay between specific antigens, MHC genetics, and host T-cell responses remain to be explored.