Work

Th17 cells in Type 1 diabetes: a future perspective

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is classically diagnosed during childhood and adolescence but can occur at any age. T1D is a chronic autoimmune disease in which CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are thought to mediate destruction of the insulin-producing β cells in the pancreatic islets [1]. Loss of -cell function results in overt hyperglycemia rendering patients absolutely reliant on exogenous insulin therapy for the remainder of their lives to manage their hyperglycemia [2]. Currently, insulin therapy is the only therapeutic option to treat T1D and although it is effective it does not reproduce the intricate, fine level of regulation of plasma glucose levels provided by insulin production by pancreatic cells [2]. Thus, individuals with T1D on insulin therapy still develop diabetic complications due to the lack of normal physiological control of glucose levels. Over the past few decades, there has been significant progress in treatment regimens for several diseases where the immune system plays an important role; however, similar treatment regimens designed specifically for T1D are slow to follow. Given the autoimmune component of this disease, it is clear that novel therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the immune response is warranted for the treatment of T1D.

Source: Diabetes Management

DOI: 10.2217/dmt.15.19

Authors: Laura A Solt, Thomas P Burris

Institutions: Scripps Research Institute, Saint Louis University

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: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases