Antigen-based vs. systemic immunomodulation in type 1 diabetes: the pros and cons.

ABSTRACT: In type 1 diabetic patients insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells are destroyed by an orchestrated immune process involving self-reactive auto-antigen-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. Efforts to reverse or prevent this destructive immunological cascade have led to promising results in animal models, however, the transition to the clinic has yet been unsuccessful. In addition, current clinical studies lack reliable biomarkers to circumscribe end-point parameters and define therapeutic success. Here, we give a current overview of both antigen-specific and non-specific systemic immunomodulatory approaches with a focus on the therapies verified or under evaluation in a clinical setting. While both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, rationally designed combination therapies may y

SUBMITTER: Robert S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4204023 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature