New Advanced Technology to Improve Prediction and Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes
Abstract
Type I diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of lymphocytes in the islets of Langerhans. The majority of infiltrating cells are actually T lymphocytes that are considered responsible for the destruction of the insulin producing beta-cells present in the islets. When the number of dead cells reach 85-90% of the originally existing beta-cells, the disease presents, frequently with an abrupt and clinically serious onset. Individuals are considered at high risk to develop the disease, based on their genetic susceptibility (as determined by the presence of susceptibility alleles at various HLA loci) and on the presence in the serum of autoantibodies directed against islet specific autoantigens (the most indicative being GAD65, IA-2, and insulin). In individuals genetically at risk for the disease an environmental component is generally considered to be the triggering event. Viruses, and in particular enteroviruses, are among the most influential environmental triggers of the autoimmune reaction that brings about the-disease onset. The aim of this program is to determine whom among the Army personnel is at high risk to develop the disease in order to prevent the unexpected onset of the disease that may be associated with tragic consequences.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA412787
Entities
People
- Massimo Trucco