Objective
Although (self)antigen-directed T cells are thought to be key mediators of many autoimmune diseases, a functionally distinct population of CD4+ T cells – T regulatory cells (Treg cells) – dominantly inhibit induction and progression of autoimmunity, as demonstrated in several autoimmune models. In humans the presence of Treg cells has been shown, but their role in autoimmune disease is not known. Likewise, no (auto)antigens recognized by Treg cells have yet been identified at the molecular level. The aim of these studies was to gain a better understanding of the identity of (auto)antigens recognized by Treg cells.