What is it about?
The infection of thymic epithelial cells by the diabetogenic coxsackievirus B4 (CV-B4) promotes a decrease in their expression of tolerogenic Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF-2).
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Why is it important?
Thymic epithelial cells program central self-tolerance to neuroendocrine functions through transcription of dominant neuroendocrine-related genes followed by the presentation of neuroendocrine self-peptides. Thymic IGF-2 was previously shown to contribute to central tolerance of the whole insulin family. The present study provides evidence that thymic infection by CV-B4 may disturb central tolerance to insulin and contribute to the development of the diabetogenic autoimmune response.
Perspectives
Our laboratory is currently deciphering the molecular mechanisms responsible for the CV-B4 mediated inhibtion of IGF-2 expression in thymic epithelial cells.
Vincent Geenen
FSR of Belgium & University of Liege
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Persistent Infection of Thymic Epithelial Cells with Coxsackievirus B4 Results in Decreased Expression of Type 2 Insulin-Like Growth Factor, Journal of Virology, August 2012, ASM Journals,
DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00726-12.
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