Myositis-specific autoreactive T cells are pathogenic for dermatomyositis

(University of Tsukuba) University of Tsukuba researchers discovered a causative mechanism for dermatomyositis, an autoimmune myositis. Immunization with transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ), a dermatomyositis-specific autoantigen, led to myositis in normal mice, but caused less severe disease in mice lacking β2-microglobulin, perforin, or type I interferon receptor. Adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells, but not antibodies, from TIF1γ-treated mice led to myositis in recipient mice. Th...