Germline-like TCR alpha chains dominate shared self-reactive T cell receptors in type 1 diabetes

Human islet antigen reactive CD4+ memory T cells (IAR T cells) play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D). Using single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify T cell receptors (TCRs) in IAR T cells, we have identified a class of TCRs that share TCR alpha chains between individuals (“public”). Overall design: 2767 cells total were sequenced. Cells were collected from 12 healthy, 24 new-onset, and 12 established T1D donors.