Death in the AIRE

Ferguson, B.J., Cooke, A., Peterson, P. and Rich, T. (2008) Death in the AIRE. Trends in Immunology, 29(7), pp. 306-312. (doi: 10.1016/j.it.2008.03.004)

Abstract

When thymic epithelia begin to synthesize peripheral tissue antigens such as insulin, we are seeing the result of autoimmune regulator (AIRE) activity and the workings of central tolerance. AIRE is an extraordinary protein that repatterns the transcriptome of medullary thymic epithelia (mTECs) to produce a stroma decorated with peripheral self-peptides. These peptidic arrays are used to purge self-reactive T cells, thereby averting autoimmunity. We now propose that an inherently cytotoxic event such as global chromatin modification paves the way for AIRE action. This injury stimulus might impose temporal restrictions for the T-cell education process and is endured, at least transiently, by the unique cellular environment provided by the medullary thymic epithelia.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rich, Dr Tina
• Authors: Ferguson, B.J., Cooke, A., Peterson, P., and Rich, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Trends in Immunology
• ISSN: 1471-4906