Work

β cell apoptosis in T cell-mediated autoimmune diabetes

Year: 1997

Type: article

Abstract: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus results from T cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing, pancreatic islet beta cells. How this destruction takes place has remained elusive--largely due to the slow kinetics of disease progression. By crossing a transgenic mouse carrying a beta cell-specific T cell receptor onto the NOD.scid background, we produced a simplified but robust and accelerated model of diabetes. This mouse produces CD4+ T cells bearing transgenic T cell receptor but is devoid of CD8+ T cells and B cells. More importantly, this mouse develops a rapid diabetes, which has allowed us to record and quantify beta cell death. We have determined that beta cells within the inflamed islets die by apoptosis.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.1.213

Authors: Michael O. Kurrer, Syamasundar V. Pakala, Holly L. Hanson, Jonathan D. Katz

Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes and associated disorders

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, American Diabetes Association, U.S. Public Health Service, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases