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Plenary III: Get into the Groove Peptides, HLA and Autoimmune Diseases

Thursday, October 9, 2025
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM US EDT
Location: Grand Cypress D - F
CE: .23 CEC / 1.5 CME

This plenary session will explore cutting-edge discoveries in the role of HLA molecules in shaping autoimmune responses. Speakers will highlight how HLA-B*27 presents bacterial and self-antigens to pathogenic CD8 T cells to induce ankylosing spondilitis, and how the islet microenvironment drives neoepitope formation to drive DQ8-restricted T cell response in type 1 diabetes. The session will also delve into the genetic and immunological underpinnings of autoimmune brain disorders, offering a broad perspective on HLA-associated disease mechanisms across organ systems.

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Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe how HLA-B*27 presents bacterial and self antigens to pathogenic CD8 T cells.
  2. Discuss how islet microenvironment facilitates the formation of neoepitopes recognized by HLA-DQ8-restricted autoimmune CD4 T cells in type 1 diabetes.
  3. Analyze the role of HLA in autoimmune-triggered brain disorders and discuss the underlying immunological mechanisms contributing to disease pathology.
This plenary session will explore cutting-edge discoveries in the role of HLA molecules in shaping autoimmune responses. Speakers will highlight how HLA-B*27 presents bacterial and self-antigens to pathogenic CD8 T cells to induce ankylosing spondilitis, and how the islet microenvironment drives neoepitope formation to drive DQ8-restricted T cell response in type 1 diabetes. The session will also delve into the genetic and immunological underpinnings of autoimmune brain disorders, offering a broad perspective on HLA-associated disease mechanisms across organ systems.

Presentations:

  • 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM US EDT
    HLA-B*27: A case for molecular mimicry

    *Speaker: Michael Paley, MD, PhD – Washington University in St. Louis

  • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM US EDT
    T cell Activation by DQ8-presented Insulin Neoepitopes in Type 1 Diabetes

    Speaker: Xiaoxiao Wan, MD, PhD – Washington University School of Medicine

  • 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM US EDT
    HLA and CNS Autoimmunity

    Speaker: Emmanuel Mignot, MD, PhD – Stanford University