Frontiers in Immunology (Sep 2024)

The role of islet autoantigen-specific T cells in the onset and treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus

  • Mengmeng Yue,
  • Xianzhen He,
  • Xinwen Min,
  • Handong Yang,
  • Hao Xu,
  • Wenwen Wu,
  • Jixin Zhong,
  • Aihua Mei,
  • Jun Chen,
  • Jun Chen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1462384
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), a complex chronic disease with an intricate etiology and pathogenesis, involves the recognition of self-antigens by pancreatic islet autoantigen-specific T cells and plays crucial roles in both early- and late-stage destruction of beta cells, thus impacting disease progression. Antigen-specific T cells regulate and execute immune responses by recognizing particular antigens, playing broad roles in the treatment of various diseases. Immunotherapy targeting antigen-specific T cells holds promising potential as a targeted treatment approach. This review outlines the pathogenesis of diabetes, emphasizing the pivotal role of pancreatic islet autoantigen-specific T cells in the progression and treatment of T1DM. Exploring this avenue in research holds promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets for effectively managing diabetes.

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