Targeting regulatory T cells in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Curr Mol Med 2012 Dec;12(10):1261-72
Date
06/20/2012Pubmed ID
22709273Pubmed Central ID
PMC3709459DOI
10.2174/156652412803833634Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84870225003 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 49 CitationsAbstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease resulting in islet β cell destruction, hypoinsulinemia, and severely altered glucose homeostasis. T1DM has classically been attributed to the pathogenic actions of auto-reactive effector T cells(Teffs) on the β cell. Recent literature now suggests that a failure of a second T cell subtype, known as regulatory T cells (Tregs), plays a critical role in the development of T1DM. During immune homeostasis, Tregs counterbalance the actions of autoreactive Teff cells, thereby participating in peripheral tolerance. An imbalance in the activity between Teff and Tregs may be crucial in the breakdown of peripheral tolerance, leading to the development of T1DM. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of Treg function in health and in T1DM, and examine the effect of experimental therapies for T1DM on Treg cell number and function in both mice and humans.
Author List
Cabrera SM, Rigby MR, Mirmira RGAuthor
Susanne M. Cabrera MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsAntibodies, Monoclonal
Autoimmunity
CD3 Complex
Dendritic Cells
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
Immune Tolerance
Insulin-Secreting Cells
Interleukin-10
Mice
Recombinant Fusion Proteins
Sirolimus
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
Transforming Growth Factor beta
