The CD19 signalling molecule is elevated in NOD mice and controls type 1 diabetes development

Aims/hypothesis Type 1 diabetes is characterised by early peri-islet insulitis and insulin autoantibodies, followed by invasive insulitis and beta cell destruction. The immunological events that precipitate invasive insulitis are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that B cells in diabetesprone NOD mice drive invasive insulitis through elevated expression of CD19 and consequent enhanced uptake and presentation of beta cell membrane-bound antigens to islet invasive T cells. Methods CD19 expression and signalling pathways in B cells from NOD and control mice were compared. Expansion of CD8+ T cells specific for insulin and islet-specific glucose-6- phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP) were compared in CD19-deficient and wild-type NOD mice and this was correlated with insulitis severity. The therapeutic potential of anti-CD19 treatment during the period of T cell activation was assessed for its ability to block invasive insulitis. Results CD19 expression and signalling in B cells was increased in NOD mice. CD19 deficiency significantly diminished the expansion of CD8+ T cells with specificity for the membrane-bound beta cell antigen, IGRP. Conversely the reduction in CD8+ T cells with specificity for the soluble beta cell antigen, insulin, was relatively small and not significant. Conclusions/interpretation Elevated CD19 on NOD B cells promotes presentation of the membrane-bound antigen, IGRP, mediating the expansion of autoreactive T cells specific for antigens integral to beta cells, which are critical for invasive insulitis and diabetes. Downregulating the CD19 signalling pathway in insulin autoantibody-positive individuals before the development of type 1 diabetes may prevent expansion of islet-invasive T cells and preserve beta cell mass.