PROJECT SUMMARY Group 1 CD1 molecules which perform lipid antigen presentation, are expressed in humans but not in mice. This biological difference leaves a gap in the understanding of the role of lipid antigens role in immunological homeostasis and disease. The parent award supports a minority scholar in using type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a model disease to investigate the role of lipid antigen presentation in generating adaptive immune responses under chronic antigen stimulation. Three research areas explore the hypothesis that lipid antigen presentation initiates chronic inflammation in T2D. Preliminary data from the parent grant suggest that immune-mediated β- cell dysfunction, downstream of lipid antigen presentation, may contribute to human T2D development. This supplement aims to investigate immune cell infiltration and activation in human pancreatic islets from individuals with and without T2D using imaging mass cytometry. Additionally, it supports "late bloomer" undergraduates in gaining research experience, addressing disparities in biomedical sciences. Completion of this project will provide insights into the immune environment in T2D and pilot a mentorship program for disadvantaged students.