Checkpoint control of T cell-B cell collaboration in the regulation of autoimmunity

Immune cells called T cells and B cells need to work together in harmony to generate effective immune response to clear infection. However if this cellular dialogue is dysregulated, the immune system can attack our own bodies, leading to autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. A particular subset of T cells specialises at communicating with B cells, and these T cells are increased in people with autoimmune diseases. The new drugs we use to fight cancer can cause autoimmune side-effects, and we have found this same type of T cell is increased in response to these drugs. We therefore want to understand how the development of these T cells is controlled and how they contribute to either natural or drug-induced autoimmune disease. Our work may lead to these cells being used as a marker to predict development of these diseases permitting them to be treated earlier.