Vaccine works against type 1 diabetes in mouse experiments - Researchers find self-regulating...

Science News ^ | April 8th, 2010 | Tina Hesman Saey

[The_Sword_of_Groo]

From the JDRF- The nanoparticle vaccine worked by expanding the number of peptide-specific regulatory T cells that suppressed the aggressive immune attack that destroys beta cells. The expanded peptide-specific regulatory cells shut down the autoimmune attack by preventing aggressive autoimmune cells from being stimulated by either the peptide contained in the vaccine or by any other type 1 diabetes autoantigen presented simultaneously on the same antigen presenting cell. The research also provided an important insight into the ability to translate these findings in mice into therapeutics for people with diabetes: nanoparticles that contained human diabetes-related molecules were able to restore normal blood sugar levels in a humanized mouse model of diabetes. According to Teodora Staeva, Ph.D., JDRF Program Director of Immune Therapies, a key finding from the Alberta study is that only the immune cells specifically focused on aggressively destroying beta cells (or, alternatively, regulating these cells) responded to the antigen-specific nanoparticle vaccine. That means the treatment did not compromise the rest of the immune system – a key consideration for the treatment to be safe and effective in an otherwise healthy person with type 1 diabetes. "The potential that nanoparticle vaccine therapy holds in reversing the immune attack without generally suppressing the immune system is significant," said Dr. Staeva. "Dr. Santamaria's research has provided both insight into pathways for developing new immunotherapies and proof-of-concept of a specific therapy that exploits these pathways for preventing and reversing type 1 diabetes."

Neverdem, thanks for your input. However, because what you said is correct doesnt make my statement wrong. Just a different way of attempting to explain. Answer was intended to be in "plain english" as Chris requested. To your comment, there are 6 types of T cells that I am aware of. 2 types, memory T and helper T do not attack foreign bodies. The remaining 4, cytotoxic, suppressor, gamma delta and nk cells do the heavy lifting

Chris,your followup question is addressed in the above text.

Hope this helps. Best of luck to both of you.

[Ole Okie]

One of my daughters was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1974 at age 13. She still is relatively healthy, but this could be a godsend.

[chris_bdba]

Thank-you both. It is good to know that because I’d hate to have a cure for one that causes something else to go wrong. Let’s hope this is the cure because it sounds lke they could also expand upon this to other deadly autoimmune dieases.

[chris_bdba]

Your daughter looks to be about the same age as I am. I am 49 now and will turn 50 next fall. I’m glad she is still doing well. :)