A Common Nonsynonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the SLC30A8 Gene Determines ZnT8 Autoantibody Specificity in Type 1 Diabetes

The finding that diabetes autoimmunity can be defined by a single polymorphic residue has not previously been documented. It argues against ZnT8 autoimmunity arising from molecular mimicry and suggests a mechanistic link between the two major forms of diabetes. It has implications for antigen-based therapeutic interventions because the response to ZnT8 administration could be protective or immunogenic depending on an individual's genotype.