ST8Sia6 overexpression protects pancreatic β cells from spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice.

ABSTRACT: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells, resulting in permanent loss of glucose homeostasis. Islet transplantation is a promising potential cure that remains hindered by immune rejection. We previously showed that ST8Sia6 expression on tumors reduced immune surveillance and hypothesized that this sialyltransferase could protect β cells from autoimmune destruction. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of ST8Sia6 in β cells of female nonobese diabetic mice (NOD βST) decreased the spontaneous incidence of diabetes by 90% and preserved β cell mass. NOD βST mice had comparable insulitis at 8 weeks of age that did not progress over time compared with littermate controls. β Cell-autoreactive B and T cells were present in NOD βST mice, indicatin

SUBMITTER: Choe J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12321382 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature