T-cell clones from a type-1 diabetes patient respond to insulin secretory granule proteins

Article Abstract:

Insulin-dependent diabetes is generally regarded as an autoimmune process, in which the body's immune defenses mistakenly attack the body's own tissues. Specifically, T-cells are thought to attack the beta-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, which are the cells responsible for manufacturing and secreting insulin. However, the precise molecules of the beta-cells, which render them targets for attack, have not yet been identified. Researchers have now identified a cellular antigen that may be involved in this process. Using insulinoma cells, insulin-secreting tumor cells, which can be conveniently grown in the laboratory, the researchers were able to isolate T-cells from a diabetic patient that seemed to react against these cells. After careful step-by-step purification of the proteins in the insulinoma cells, which are similar to beta-cells, a protein with a molecular weight of 38,000 was identified that seems to be the target of these T-cell clones. The protein is a component of the secretory granules of the beta-cells, the insulin-filled 'packages' which the cell constructs in preparation for exporting insulin to the rest of the body. Further study on the expression of this molecule and the manner in which it might be mistakenly presented to the immune system, may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Autoimmune diseases, Pancreatic diseases, Islands of Langerhans, Islets of Langerhans, Cytopathology, Pancreatic beta cells

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Prime role for an insulin epitope in the development of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice

Article Abstract:

An attempt is made to show that the insulin molecules have a sequence that is a primary target of the autoimmunity that causes diabetes of the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Insulin 1 and insulin 2 gene knockouts combined with a mutated proinsulin transgene in NOD mice were developed.

Product information, Care and treatment, Testing, Insulin

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Missing links

Article Abstract:

The gene dense region in mammals, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), is studied thoroughly by researchers for genes that pose a risk in type 1 diabetes. Further studies are conducted to locate some missing HLA proteins.

Genetic aspects, Major histocompatibility complex

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