Based on the proposition that CD20+ B-lymphocytes might play a role in promoting the activation state of CD8+ T-cells in and around inflamed islets, islet-associated B-lymphocytes may play a profound role in influencing the outcome of autoimmunity in T1D, perhaps by regulating the cytotoxic activity of their CD8+ T-cell counterparts [28]. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is type 1 diabetes mellitus.