E Badami et al. "Activation-induced cell death of self-reactive regulatory T cells drives autoimmunity"

In a humanized model of autoimmune thyroiditis, we investigated the mechanism underlying break of tolerance. Here we found that a human TCR specific for the self-antigen thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is positively selected in the thymus of RAG KO mice on both T effector (Teff) and T regulatory (Treg) CD4+Foxp3+ cells..

In vivo Teff are present in all immune organs whereas the TPO-specific Treg are present in all lymphoid organs with the exception of the thyroid draining lymph nodes. We suggest that the presence of TPO in the thyroid draining lymph nodes induces the activation of Teff and the depletion of Treg via activation induced cells death (AICD). Our findings provide new insights on the failure of the mechanisms of immune tolerance, with potential implications in designing immunotherapeutic strategies.