FIGURE 1.

Key events in T1D development. (I) The process starts by acquisition and delivery of islet autoantigens including insulin and GAD65 proteins by antigen presenting cells (APCs) to the draining, pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs). (II) Diabetogenic T cells encounter their cognate autoantigens presented by APCs in PLNs leading to their priming, proliferation and differentiation into effector T cells, and homing functions as a result of interaction with APCs. (III) Diabetogenic effector T cells migrate into the pancreas and infiltrate pancreatic islets causing insulitis and eventually destruction of insulin-producing β-cells.