Transfer of diabetes in mice prevented by blockade of adhesion-promoting receptor on macrophages
Article Abstract:
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system targets its own cells for destruction. The cells that are destroyed in IDDM are the beta-cells, the insulin-producing cells located in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. However, the way this destruction is brought about remains unknown. To learn more concerning this, the role of macrophages (a type of immune cell) was investigated in a series of experiments using the non-obese diabetic mouse, an animal model used in diabetes research. Mice were treated with a protein (monoclonal antibody 5C6) known to block the migration of macrophages to sites of inflammation, and were then subjected to conditions that promote the onset of diabetes. Results showed that 5C6-treated mice had a greatly reduced tendency (from 93 to 8 percent) to become diabetic compared with controls (untreated mice). Moreover, animals that received 5C6 throughout the experiment preserved their insulin-containing islet cells, while untreated animals had very few intact cells left. Since the entry of T cells (another type of immune cell) seems to occur only after initial migration of macrophages into tissue, the hypothesis was advanced that the protective effect of 5C6 may result from its ability to suppress macrophage migration. If macrophages do not enter the tissue, then T cells and other components of the immune system do not exert their destructive effects. Ideas regarding the physiological mechanisms that could be active in such processes are presented. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Divalent cation-independent macrophage adhesion inhibited by monoclonal antibody to murine scavenger receptor
Article Abstract:
A rat monoclonal antibody that totally inhibits divalent cation-independent adhesion of murine macrophages to tissue culture plastic in the presence of fetal calf serum has been isolated. This offers a way to recruit and retain mononuclear phagocytes in atherosclerotic lesions and other ligand-rich tissues. Macrophages interact via adhesion receptors, and are unique in adhering to tissue culture plastic in the absence of divalent cations.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A new receptor for B-glucans
Article Abstract:
Research on carbohydrate polymers is examined in detail, with implications for immune recognition, and antimicrobial and antitumor activity.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: A transmembrane protein required for acetylcholine receptor clustering in Caenorhabditis elegans. An open form of syntaxin bypasses the requirement for UNC-13 in vesicle priming
- Abstracts: Adaptation of retinal processing to image contrast and spatial scale. Efficiency and ambiguity in an adaptive neural code
- Abstracts: Texturing of the Earth's inner core by Maxwell stresses. Elasticity of iron at the temperature of the earth's inner core