Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of a predominant ligand of CD8+ T cells that are responsible for type 1 diabetes. That ligand is islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP). Several CD8+ T cell-binding peptides from IGRP are identified, including the peptide comprising amino acids 206-214 of the IGRP sequence, which has high avidity to the most prevalent T cell receptor of pathogenic CD8+ T cells in autoimmune diabetes. The invention thus provides oligopeptide and polypeptide compositions comprising YLKTN(A/I/L/V)FL (SEQ ID NO:3), FLWSVFWLI (SEQ ID NO:4), (T/A)YY(G/T)FLNFM (SEQ ID NO:5), LR(L/V)(F/L)(G/N)IDLL (SEQ ID NO:6), KWCANPDWI (SEQ ID NO:7), and SFCKSASIP (SEQ ID NO:8). Also provided are oligopeptide compositions 8-10 amino acids in length and completely homologous with a mammalian IGRP, where the oligopeptide is capable of binding a human MHC class I molecule.

Abstract: Provided are oligopeptide antigens to AI4-like T cells, and mouse proteins comprising those antigens. The oligopeptide antigens comprise the amino acid sequence XX(I/D/F/L)ENY(I/L)(E/W/Y)(L/M) or VMLENYTHL. Additionally provided are methods for treating a mammal having or at risk for type 1 diabetes using these antigens, or compounds which reduce or eliminate expression of these antigens. Kits comprising these antigens, and methods for determining whether a mammal is at risk for or has type 1 diabetes are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are oligopeptide antigens to A14-like T cells, and mouse proteins comprising those antigens. The oligopeptide antigens comprise the amino acid sequence XX(I/D/F/L)ENY(I/L)(E/W/Y)(L/M) or VMLENYTHL. Additionally provided are methods for treating a mammal having or at risk for type 1 diabetes using these antigens, or compounds which reduce or eliminate expression of these antigens. Kits comprising these antigens, and methods for determining whether a mammal is at risk for or has type 1 diabetes are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are polypeptides that are capable of binding a human HLA-A2 MHC class I molecule. Kits comprising these polypeptides in a container are also provided. Further provided are methods for determining whether a mammal is at risk for or has type 1 diabetes. Additionally provided are methods of preventing a CD8+ T cell that is cytotoxic to pancreatic islet ?-cells from destroying a ?-cell. Methods of treating a mammal that is at risk for type 1 diabetes are also provided, as are methods of treating a mammal that has type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of a predominant ligand of CD8+ T cells that are responsible eq for type 1 diabetes. That ligand is islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP). Several CD8+ T cell-binding peptides from IGRP are identified, including the peptide comprising amino acids 206-214 of the IGRP sequence, which has high avidity to the most prevalent T cell receptor of pathogenic CD8+ T cells in autoimmune diabetes. The invention thus provides oligopeptide and polypeptide compositions comprising YLKTN/A/I/L/V)FL, FLWSVFWLI, (T/A)YY/G/T)FLNFM, LR(LV)(F/L)(G/N)IDLL, KWCANPDWI, and SFCKSASIP. Also provided are oligopeptide compositions 8-10 amino acids in length and completely homologous with a mammalian IGRP, where the oligopeptide is capable of binding a human MHC class I molecule. Additionally, various methods of treating a mammal using the above compositions are provided, where the mammal is at risk for or has type 1 diabetes.