scholarly journals OPTN limits herpes stromal keratitis severity and demyelination through negative regulation of IL-17 and hyperinflammatory T-cell response

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M Ames ◽  
Tejabhiram Yadavalli ◽  
Chandrashekhar Patil ◽  
James Hopkins ◽  
Ilina Bhattacharya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Host Restriction ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Stromal Keratitis ◽  
Herpes Stromal Keratitis ◽  
Hsv 1

Herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) is a result of the inflammatory sequelae following primary and recurrent Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infections. This pathology is known to be mediated by immunopathogenic T cell responses against viral antigens, however most individuals infected with HSV-1 never exhibit signs of this immunopathology. Recent studies have identified the host restriction factor, optineurin (OPTN), as an inhibitor of viral spread in the central nervous system, protecting hosts from viral encephalopathy. In an HSV-1 corneal infection mouse model on OPTN knockout mice, we assess the contribution of OPTN to ameliorating the clinical manifestations of HSK. We identify that OPTN protects the host from loss of ocular and whisker sensitivity and opacification of the cornea. scRNA-seq of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) reveals that transcription changes to the peripheral neurons and immune cell populations drive the expression of Il-17A in CD4 and CD8 T cells, as well as increased infiltration of T cells into the TG. This leads to demyelination and the observed HSK pathology.

scholarly journals Characterization of Sex Differences in Ocular Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection and Herpes Stromal Keratitis Pathogenesis of Wild-Type and Herpesvirus Entry Mediator Knockout Mice

mSphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Riccio ◽  
Seo J. Park ◽  
Richard Longnecker ◽  
Sarah J. Kopp
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Biological Variable ◽  
Stromal Keratitis ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Stromal Keratitis ◽  
Herpesvirus Entry Mediator ◽  
Hsv 1

ABSTRACTSex differences related to immune response and inflammation play a role in the susceptibility and pathogenesis of a variety of viral infections and disease (S. L. Klein, Bioessays 34:1050–1059, 2012,https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.201200099). Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) causes chronic inflammatory disease in the cornea, an immune-privileged tissue, resulting in irreversible damage and blindness in affected individuals (A. Rowe, A. St Leger, S. Jeon, D. K. Dhaliwal, et al., Prog Retin Eye Res 32:88–101, 2013,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.08.002). Our research focuses on the role of herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) as an immune regulator during ocular HSV-1 infection. Mice lacking HVEM (HVEM knockout [KO] mice) exhibit lower levels of immune cell infiltrates and less severe ocular disease in the cornea than wild-type (WT) mice. As sex differences contribute to pathogenesis in many inflammatory diseases, we tested whether sex acts as a biological variable in the immune response to HSV-1 infection and herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) pathogenesis. Adult male and female WT and HVEM KO mice were inoculated with HSV-1 via corneal scarification and monitored daily for disease course. Viral titers were determined, and immune cell infiltrates were collected and analyzed. Our results indicated no significant differences in viral titers in tear film or affected tissues, in immune cell infiltration, or in clinical symptoms between males and females of either genotype. These results suggest that sex is not a significant biological variable in this experimental model and that male and female mice of the C57BL/6 background can be used similarly in studies of ocular HSV-1 pathogenesis.IMPORTANCESex hormones have come to be considered an important factor for the development of certain diseases only recently and as such should continue to be considered a biological variable. Ocular HSV-1, and the resulting HSK, is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. We compared levels of ocular HSV-1 infection and pathogenesis in the two sexes and found no significance differences between male and female WT mice or HVEM KO mice.

Preserved specific anti-viral T-cell response but associated with decreased lupus activity in SLE patients with cytomegalovirus infection

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 3340-3349
Author(s):  
Chien-Sheng Wu ◽  
I-Tsu Chyuan ◽  
Yen-Ling Chiu ◽  
Wen-Lin Chen ◽  
Chieh-Yu Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Cmv Infection ◽  
Autoantibody Production ◽  
Intracellular Cytokines

Abstract Objectives SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by aberrant autoantibody production and immune dysfunctions. Whether the anti-CMV immunity is impaired in SLE patients is poorly understood. We investigated the specific anti-viral T-cell response in SLE patients with CMV infection and its possible impacts on clinical manifestations in lupus. Methods CD28 null T-cell percentages were measured by flow cytometry in 89 SLE patients and 58 healthy controls. A specific anti-CMV CD8 T-cell response was assessed ex vivo by the production of intracellular cytokines in response to CMV phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) by flow cytometry. Clinical manifestations and immune parameters were analysed in SLE patients according to their CMV serostatus. Results CD28 null T cells were significantly expanded in SLE patients. When the anti-CMV pp65 CD8 polyfunctional T cell response was analysed, as defined by production of at least three of four functional cytokines or effectors (intracellular IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α and surface CD107a), the results demonstrated that it was not impaired in SLE patients. In contrast, when comparing clinical manifestations, there were lower anti-ds-DNA levels and decreased SLEDAI in SLE patients with CMV infection. Furthermore, the expansion of CD4+CD28 null T cells was negatively associated with anti-ds-DNA levels and SLEDAI in these lupus patients. Conclusion In SLE patients with CMV infection, the specific anti-CMV CD8 T-cell response is preserved but is associated with decreased disease activity and lower anti-DNA levels among these patients, suggesting CMV infection may mitigate lupus activity.

scholarly journals CD4+ T Cells Are Required for the Priming of CD8+ T Cells following Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

2009 ◽  
Vol 83 (10) ◽  
pp. 5256-5268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naveen K. Rajasagi ◽  
Sadik H. Kassim ◽  
Christina M. Kollias ◽  
Xiangyi Zhao ◽  
Robert Chervenak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus Type ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
T Cell Help ◽  
Hsv 1

ABSTRACT The role of CD4+ helper T cells in modulating the acquired immune response to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) remains ill defined; in particular, it is unclear whether CD4+ T cells are needed for the generation of the protective HSV-1-specific CD8+-T-cell response. This study examined the contribution of CD4+ T cells in the generation of the primary CD8+-T-cell responses following acute infection with HSV-1. The results demonstrate that the CD8+-T-cell response generated in the draining lymph nodes of CD4+-T-cell-depleted C57BL/6 mice and B6-MHC-II−/− mice is quantitatively and qualitatively distinct from the CD8+ T cells generated in normal C57BL/6 mice. Phenotypic analyses show that virus-specific CD8+ T cells express comparable levels of the activation marker CD44 in mice lacking CD4+ T cells and normal mice. In contrast, CD8+ T cells generated in the absence of CD4+ T cells express the interleukin 2 receptor α-chain (CD25) at lower levels. Importantly, the CD8+ T cells in the CD4+-T-cell-deficient environment are functionally active with respect to the expression of cytolytic activity in vivo but exhibit a diminished capacity to produce gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Furthermore, the primary expansion of HSV-1-specific CD8+ T cells is diminished in the absence of CD4+-T-cell help. These results suggest that CD4+-T-cell help is essential for the generation of fully functional CD8+ T cells during the primary response to HSV-1 infection.

scholarly journals The Cytotoxic T-Cell Response to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection of C57BL/6 Mice Is Almost Entirely Directed against a Single Immunodominant Determinant

1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (9) ◽  
pp. 7619-7626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan E. Wallace ◽  
Rachael Keating ◽  
William R. Heath ◽  
Francis R. Carbone
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus ◽  
Herpes Simplex ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Herpes Simplex Virus Type ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Hsv 1

ABSTRACT Many virus infections give rise to surprisingly limited T-cell responses directed to very few immunodominant determinants. We have been examining the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Previous studies have identified the glycoprotein B-derived peptide from residues 498 to 505 (gB498–505) as one of at least three determinants recognized by HSV-1-specific CTLs isolated from C57BL/6 mice. We had previously found that in vitro-derived CTLs directed to gB498–505 show a characteristic pattern of T-cell receptor (TCR) usage, with 60% of gB498–505-specific CD8+ T cells expressing BV10+ TCR β chains and a further 20% expressing BV8S1. In this report, we confirm that this TCR V-region bias is also reflected in the ex vivo response to HSV-1 infection. A high proportion of activated CD8+draining lymph node cells were found to express these dominant V regions, suggesting that a substantial number of in vivo responding T cells were directed to this one viral determinant. The use of an HSV-1 deletion mutant lacking the gB498–505 determinant in combination with accurate intracellular gamma interferon staining allowed us to quantify the extent of gB-specific T-cell dominance. Together, these results suggested that between 70 and 90% of all CD8+ HSV-1-specific T cells target gB498–505. While deletion of this determinant resulted in an attenuated CD8+ T-cell response, it also permitted the emergence of one or more previously unidentified cryptic specificities. Overall, HSV-1 infection of C57BL/6 mice results in an extremely focused pattern of CD8+ T-cell selection in terms of target specificity and TCR expression.

scholarly journals Infected Cell Protein (ICP)47 Enhances Herpes Simplex Virus Neurovirulence by Blocking the CD8+ T Cell Response

1998 ◽  
Vol 187 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Goldsmith ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
David C. Johnson ◽  
Robert L. Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Cell Protein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Infected Cell Protein ◽  
Simplex Virus ◽  
Hsv 1

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) infected cell protein (ICP)47 blocks CD8+ T cell recognition of infected cells by inhibiting the transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP). In vivo, HSV-1 replicates in two distinct tissues: in epithelial mucosa or epidermis, where the virus enters sensory neurons; and in the peripheral and central nervous system, where acute and subsequently latent infections occur. Here, we show that an HSV-1 ICP47− mutant is less neurovirulent than wild-type HSV-1 in mice, but replicates normally in epithelial tissues. The reduced neurovirulence of the ICP47− mutant was due to a protective CD8+ T cell response. When compared with wild-type virus, the ICP47− mutant expressed reduced neurovirulence in immunologically normal mice, and T cell–deficient nude mice after reconstitution with CD8+ T cells. However, the ICP47− mutant exhibited normal neurovirulence in mice that were acutely depleted of CD8+ T cells, and in nude mice that were not reconstituted, or were reconstituted with CD4+ T cells. In contrast, CD8+ T cell depletion did not increase the neurovirulence of an unrelated, attenuated HSV-1 glycoprotein (g)E− mutant. ICP47 is the first viral protein shown to influence neurovirulence by inhibiting CD8+ T cell protection.

scholarly journals Characterization of Sex Differences in Ocular HSV-1 Infection and Herpes Stromal Keratitis Pathogenesis of Wild Type and Herpesvirus Entry Mediator Knockout Mice

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E Riccio ◽  
Seo J Park ◽  
Richard M Longnecker ◽  
Sarah J Kopp
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Biological Variable ◽  
Stromal Keratitis ◽  
Herpes Stromal Keratitis ◽  
Herpesvirus Entry Mediator ◽  
Hsv 1

ABSTRACTSex differences related to immune response and inflammation play a role in the susceptibility and pathogenesis of a variety of viral infections and disease (S. L. Klein, Bioessays 34:1050-9, 2012). Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes chronic inflammatory disease in the cornea, an immune privileged tissue, resulting in irreversible damage and blindness in affected individuals (A. Rowe, A. St Leger, S. Jeon, D. K. Dhaliwal, J. E. Knickelbein, and E. Vilain, Prog Retin Eye Res 32:88-101, 2013). Our research focuses on the role of Herpes Viral Entry Mediator (HVEM) as an immune regulator during ocular HSV-1 infection. Mice lacking HVEM (HVEM KO) exhibit lower immune cell infiltrates and less severe ocular disease in the cornea compared to wild type (WT) mice. As sex differences contribute to pathogenesis in many inflammatory diseases, we tested sex as a biological variable in the immune response to HSV-1 infection and Herpes Stromal Keratitis pathogenesis (HSK). Adult male and female WT and HVEM KO mice were inoculated with HSV-1 via corneal scarification and monitored daily for disease course. Viral titers and immune cell infiltrates were collected and analyzed. Our results indicate no significant difference in viral titers in tear film or affected tissues; immune cell infiltration; or clinical symptoms between males and females of either genotype. These results suggest that sex is not a significant biological variable in this experimental model, and that male and female mice can similarly be used in studies of ocular HSV-1 pathogenesis.IMPORTANCESex hormones have only recently been considered as an important factor for the development of certain diseases and as such should continue to be considered as a biological variable. Ocular Herpesvirus Type 1 (HSV-1), and the resulting Herpes Stromal Keratitis, is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. We compared ocular HSV-1 infection and pathogenesis between sexes and found no significance difference between male and female wild type mice or herpesvirus entry mediator knockout mice. Therefore, male and female mice can be used interchangeably in studying ocular HSV-1 pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Cell responses to simulated microgravity and hydrodynamic stress can be distinguished by using comparative transcriptomic analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolai V Kouznetsov
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Hydrodynamic Stress ◽  
Cytoskeletal Network ◽  
Cultural Medium ◽  
Cell Transcriptome

The human immune system is compromised in microgravity (MG) conditions during an orbital flight and upon return to Earth. T cells are critical for the immune response and execute their functions via actin mediated immune cell-cell interactions that could be disturbed by MG conditions. Here, we have applied two rotational platforms to simulate MG conditions: fast rotating clinostat (CL) and random positioning machine (RPM) followed by global T cell transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing. We demonstrate that the T cell transcriptome profile in response to simulated MG treatment was clearly distinguishable from the T cell transcriptome response to hydrodynamic stress (HS) induced by shear forces upon cell movement in cultural medium. Gene expression profiling of genes related to or involved in actin cytoskeleton networks using RT-qPCR confirmed two sets of differentially regulated genes in the T cell response to MG or to HS. Several key genes potentially involved in T cell gravisensing (Fam163b, Dnph1, Trim34, Upk-1b) were identified. A number of candidate biomarker genes of the response to MG (VAV1, VAV2, VAV3, and NFATC2) and of the response to HS (ITGAL, ITGB1, ITGB2, RAC1 and RAC2) could be used to distinguish between these processes on the gene transcription level. Together, MG induces changes in the overall transcriptome of T cells leading to specific shifts in expression of cytoskeletal network genes.

scholarly journals Emergence of T cells that recognize nonpolymorphic antigens during graft-versus- host disease

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 119 (26) ◽  
pp. 6354-6364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemalatha Rangarajan ◽  
Maryam Yassai ◽  
Hariharan Subramanian ◽  
Richard Komorowski ◽  
Megan Whitaker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Acute Gvhd ◽  
Chronic Gvhd ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Striking Similarity ◽  
Loss Of Self ◽  
Cell Clones

Chronic GVHD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients and typically develops from antecedent acute GVHD. In contrast to acute GVHD, chronic GVHD has much broader tissue involvement and clinical manifestations that bear striking similarity to what is observed in autoimmune diseases. How autoimmunity arises out of alloimmunity has been a longstanding unresolved issue. To address this question, in the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the clonotypic T-cell response using complementary murine models that simulate what occurs during the transition from acute to chronic GVHD. These studies revealed repertoire skewing and the presence of high-frequency clonotypes that had undergone significant in vivo expansion, indicating that GVHD-associated autoimmunity was characterized by antigen-driven expansion of a limited number of T-cell clones. Furthermore, we observed that T cells with identical TCRβ CDR3 nucleotide sequences were capable of recognizing donor and host antigens, providing evidence that the loss of self-tolerance during acute GVHD leads to the emergence of self-reactive donor T cells that are capable of recognizing nonpolymorphic tissue or commensally derived antigens. These data provide a mechanistic framework for how autoimmunity develops within the context of preexisting GVHD and provide additional insight into the pathophysiology of chronic GVHD.

scholarly journals AB0345 Th9 CELLS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED CYTOKINES: THE PROBABLE PLAYERS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) AND TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS (T1DM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1197.2-1198
Author(s):  
N. Mohannad ◽  
M. Moaaz ◽  
R. Mohamed Shehata
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Group I ◽  
Pancreatic Islets Of Langerhans ◽  
Th9 Cells ◽  
Significant Difference

Background:SLE is an autoimmune disease (AID) of unknown origin. Several factors can contribute to immune dysfunction in SLE.Interleukin 9 (IL9) is a newly emerging T cell-derived factor preferentially expressed by CD4+T cells: T helper 9 (Th9)IL9 targets different cell lineages, and can contribute to the development of allergic & AIDsWhether abnormal expression and secretion of IL9 are present in SLE patients (pts) still unidentified. It is also unclear whether IL9 exerts main proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory activities in SLE. T1DM is characterized by inflammation of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Insulitis progresses over time and β cells become destroyed then clinical DM is established. T1DM is regarded as a T cell-driven AIDObjectives:Evaluation of the expression of CD4+ IL9+ T cells & the level of IL9 in SLE pts compared to both healthy subjects & pts with another AID: T1DM.Also, to evaluate the correlation of these expressions with clinical features, laboratory parameters and SLE activityMethods:The study included: Group I 25 SLE pts fulfilling SLICC classification criteria divided into 2 subgroups (gps) according to SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) IA: 20 pts with mild to moderate activity (<12) IB:5 pts with severe activity (>12) recruited from rheumatology clinic or internal medicine ward (Rheumatology unit), Main University Hospital, Alexandria. Group II 15 healthy individuals as a first control gp. Group III 15 pts with T1DM fulfilling the American Diabetes Association criteria as a second control gp. All pts were subjected to history taking, clinical examination,laboratory investigations: CBC,LFT,KFT,ESR,CRP,ANA,Anti-dsDNA,Th9 cell expression detection by flowcytometry and serum IL9 by ELISAResults:There was no statistical difference between all gps as regards age & sex but a significant increased ESR in SLE compared to controls & T1DM p< 0.001 p=0.001Th9 expression was highly increased in SLE pts, range 0.13-4.54% & mean ±SD=1.50 ± 1.47% than both control gps. In healthy controls Th9 ranged between 0.0-1.29% with mean 0.37 ±0.52%, while in T1DM pts ranged between 0.03 to 2.13% with mean of 0.67 ± 0.59%. A high significant difference was found between SLE pts and controls p=0.001, an insignificant rise was seen in SLE pts compared to T1DM pts p=0.157. A high significant increase in Th9 was found in severe SLE: mean of 3.74 ±1.15% than in pts with mild to moderate SLE: mean 0.94±0.88% p=<0.001IL9 level was highly increased in SLE pts: mean of 42.83± 23.98 pg/ml than both control gps. In healthy controls the mean was 8.54±13.27, while in T1DM with mean of 29.17±16.09 pg/ml. A high significant difference was found between SLE pts and normal controls p<0.001 but an insignificant rise with T1DM p=0.294. A high significant increase in IL9 in pts with severe ds compared to mild to moderate pts p<0.001.A significant direct correlation between Th9 & IL9 and SLEDAI/105 A significant direct correlation between damage index and Th9 p=0.040 but not IL9 p=0.053In SLE no significant relation between Th9 or IL9 & clinical manifestations or disease duration. A direct correlations between Th9 & ESR p=0.046 and CRP p=0.025,a significant correlation between IL9 and CRP p=0.033, no correlations between Th9&IL9 level and anti-dsDNA p=0.593& 0.4 Significant direct correlation between Th9 and IL9 in T1DM pts, still no correlation with glycemic profile. IL9 levels were significantly increased in SLE with elevated CRP p=0.033 & the % of Th9 cells were increased with elevated ESR and CRP p=0.025, 0.046Conclusion:In SLE pts; IL9 level and Th9 cells expression were significantly elevated compared to healthy controls. IL9 levels and the percentages of Th9 directly correlated with the SLE disease activity. IL9 levels also were significantly increased in T1DM pts compared to controls,but they were less expressed than in SLE. This suggests an important role of IL9 in the pathogenesis AIDs as SLEReferences:[1]Tahernia L et al. Cytokines in SLE: their role in pathogenesis of disease and possible therapeutic opportunities. Rheum Res 2017Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Enhanced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltrate within convex hull defined pancreatic islet borders as autoimmune diabetes progresses

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander J. Dwyer ◽  
Jacob M. Ritz ◽  
Jason S. Mitchell ◽  
Tijana Martinov ◽  
Mohannad Alkhatib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Convex Hull ◽  
Pancreatic Islets ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Nod Mice ◽  
Cell Infiltration ◽  
Immune Cell Infiltration ◽  
Analytical Strategy ◽  
Islet Mass

AbstractThe notion that T cell insulitis increases as type 1 diabetes (T1D) develops is unsurprising, however, the quantitative analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells within the islet mass is complex and limited with standard approaches. Optical microscopy is an important and widely used method to evaluate immune cell infiltration into pancreatic islets of Langerhans for the study of disease progression or therapeutic efficacy in murine T1D. However, the accuracy of this approach is often limited by subjective and potentially biased qualitative assessment of immune cell subsets. In addition, attempts at quantitative measurements require significant time for manual analysis and often involve sophisticated and expensive imaging software. In this study, we developed and illustrate here a streamlined analytical strategy for the rapid, automated and unbiased investigation of islet area and immune cell infiltration within (insulitis) and around (peri-insulitis) pancreatic islets. To this end, we demonstrate swift and accurate detection of islet borders by modeling cross-sectional islet areas with convex polygons (convex hulls) surrounding islet-associated insulin-producing β cell and glucagon-producing α cell fluorescent signals. To accomplish this, we used a macro produced with the freeware software ImageJ equipped with the Fiji Is Just ImageJ (FIJI) image processing package. Our image analysis procedure allows for direct quantification and statistical determination of islet area and infiltration in a reproducible manner, with location-specific data that more accurately reflect islet areas as insulitis proceeds throughout T1D. Using this approach, we quantified the islet area infiltrated with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells allowing statistical comparison between different age groups of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice progressing towards T1D. We found significantly more CD4+ and CD8+ T cells infiltrating the convex hull-defined islet mass of 13-week-old non-diabetic and 17-week-old diabetic NOD mice compared to 4-week-old NOD mice. We also determined a significant and measurable loss of islet mass in mice that developed T1D. This approach will be helpful for the location-dependent quantitative calculation of islet mass and cellular infiltration during T1D pathogenesis and can be combined with other markers of inflammation or activation in future studies.

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