Insights into the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes: a hint for novel immunospecific therapies

Current Molecular Medicine
Sofia Casares, T D Brumeanu

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is an organ-specific autoimmune disease whose incidence is increasing worldwide. At present, there is no effective therapy to prevent or cure this disease. The genetic background (MHC and non-MHC genes) and environmental factors (pathogens, drugs, and diet) are critical for the initiation of the autoimmune response against the pancreatic beta-cells. Recognition of the pancreatic autoantigens by T cells in a predetermined environment of antigen-presenting cells, costimulation, and cytokines is crucial for the selective activation of diabetogenic or protective/regulatory T cells. Once the autoimmune process is triggered, epitope spreading and sustaining the autoimmune responses by continuous antigen stimulation leads to expansion of effector cells, which launch the attack on the beta-cells. Despite of some controversy, most of the studies in humans and animal models suggest that CD4 (Th1) T cells are directly involved in the autoimmune attack by secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and recruitment of cytotoxic CD8 T cells. Secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines by Th2 cells is protective against the disease. Therapy with peptides derived from major target antigens, such as glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 or pr...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 26, 2002·Annual Review of Immunology·Susanne J SzaboLaurie H Glimcher
May 30, 2009·PloS One·Karin KniekeMonika C Brunner-Weinzierl
Mar 22, 2005·European Journal of Applied Physiology·P J van GurpC J Tack
Jun 18, 2010·Vaccine·Sofia CasaresThomas L Richie
Jun 6, 2009·Current Opinion in Immunology·Sofia Casares, Thomas L Richie
Feb 4, 2014·Clinical & Developmental Immunology·Danny Laura Gomes FagundesAdenilda Cristina Honorio-França
Jan 24, 2003·Diabetes·Lut OverberghChantal Mathieu
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Mar 21, 2003·The Journal of Immunology : Official Journal of the American Association of Immunologists·Gisela M VaitaitisDavid H Wagner
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