There is ample evidence suggesting that the onset of type 1 diabetes is associated with abnormal autoimmunity.
This is mainly manifested in the following aspects:
Cellular immune abnormalities:
Approximately 60% of type 1 diabetes patients have a positive leukocyte migration inhibition test, and abnormal peripheral lymphocytes have been observed in some diabetic nude mice and human type 1 diabetes patients. In the lymphocyte subgroups, the levels of OKT4, OKT4/OKT8 ratios, and activated T lymphocytes increase. In some short-term deceased type 1 diabetes patients, autopsy findings reveal extensive lymphocyte infiltration in the islets, which is referred to as “insulitis.”
Humoral immunity disorder:
60% – 85% of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients are positive for islet cell autoimmune antibodies, while the positive rate of type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients is <5%.
Foreign scholars reported that the positive rate of icab within 1 year of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was 50%, which decreased to 20% after 2-5 years. Icab decreased with the course of the disease, which may be related to the progressive reduction of islet cells acting as antigens, suggesting that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune syndrome, In recent years, further studies have found that islet cell surface antibodies and complement dependent cytotoxic icab are all associated with type 1 diabetes, deepening the understanding of islet β Understanding of the specificity of cellular immune response.
Type 1 diabetic patients are often complicated with other autoimmune diseases, such as anti hyperthyroidism, primary adrenal hypofunction, etc. there are also high autoantibodies against autologous organs in the serum, such as anti thyroid cell antibody and anti gastric parietal cell antibody, which are 2-4 times higher than those of normal people. Anti adrenal antibody is rare in normal people, while it is about 30 times higher in diabetic patients than normal people.
Viral infection and autoimmunity. Viral infection may be the direct or indirect cause of the above immune abnormalities. Viral infection can cause “insulitis” – like manifestations. We have mentioned the common factors of viral infection, which all suggest that autoimmunity plays an important role in the occurrence and development of type 1 diabetes.
NIAID’s research on autoimmunity and diabetes
One of the leading research institutions in the United States that has conducted extensive studies on autoimmunity and diabetes is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIAID focuses on research to understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases.
NIAID’s research on autoimmunity and diabetes primarily focuses on type 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The research aims to:
- Identify the specific immune cells and mechanisms involved in the autoimmune response that leads to beta cell destruction.
- Understand the genetic and environmental factors that predispose individuals to developing T1D.
- Develop and test new therapies to modulate or suppress the autoimmune response in T1D.
- Explore strategies for beta cell regeneration or replacement to restore insulin production.
- Investigate the role of infections and other environmental triggers in the onset of T1D.
NIAID has made several significant contributions to the field of autoimmunity and diabetes, including:
- Identification of multiple genetic risk loci associated with T1D, providing insights into the molecular pathways involved in the disease.
- Discovery of novel biomarkers that can predict the onset of T1D in high-risk individuals, enabling early intervention.
- Development of animal models that mimic human T1D, which are essential for testing new therapies and understanding disease progression.
- Advancement in the field of immunotherapy, with the testing of various agents to prevent or reverse the autoimmune attack on beta cells.
- Participation in clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of new treatments, such as anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies and peptide therapies, which have shown promise in preserving beta cell function.
These research achievements have not only deepened our understanding of the pathogenesis of T1D but also laid the groundwork for the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies. NIAID remains a key player in the ongoing quest to conquer autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
