The role of islet antigen presenting cells and the presentation of insulin in the initiation of autoimmune diabetes in the NOD mouse

Summary We have been examining antigen presentation and the antigen presenting cells ( APC s) in the islets of Langerhans of the non‐obese diabetic ( NOD ) mouse. The purpose is to identify the earliest events that initiate autoimmunity in this confined tissue. Islets normally have a population of macrophages that is distinct from those that inhabit the exocrine pancreas. Also found in NOD islets is a minor population of dendritic cells ( DC s)...