Differentiating MHC-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms of Lymph Node Stromal Cell Regulation of Proinsulin-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Type 1 Diabetes

Lymph node stromal cells (LNSC) are essential for providing and maintaining peripheral self-tolerance of potentially autoreactive cells. In type 1 diabetes, proinsulin-specific CD8+ T cells, escaping central and peripheral tolerance, contribute to β-cell destruction. Using G9Cα−/−CD8+ T cells specific for proinsulin, we studied the mechanisms by which LNSC regulate low-avidity autoreactive cells in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Whereas MHC-matched NOD-LNSC significantly reduced G9Cα−/−CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity and dendritic cell–induced proliferation, they failed to sufficiently regulate T cells stimulated by anti-CD3/CD28. In contrast, non-MHC–matched, control C57BL/6 mouse LNSC suppressed T-cell receptor engagement by anti-CD3/CD28 via MHC-independent mechanisms. This C57BL/6-LNSC suppression was maintained even after removal of the LNSC, demonstrating a direct effect of LNSC on T cells, modifying antigen sensitivity and effector function. Thus, our results suggest that a loss of NOD-LNSC MHC-independent suppressive mechanisms may contribute to diabetes development.