Why does the autoimmune attack behind type 1 diabetes continue for years or even decades?
A new University of Florida Diabetes Institute study with Dr. Todd Brusko and Dr. Leeana Peters, may help answer that question.
Researchers identified “stem-like” T cells that can renew themselves and help maintain the body’s supply of other T cells.
T cells are white blood cells that normally help the immune system fight infection. In type 1 diabetes, certain T cells mistakenly attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Researchers believe the stem-like T cells may continually replenish the cells carrying out that attack.
The process was identified in human pancreatic lymph node tissue for the first time. The findings could help researchers identify new therapeutic targets to disrupt the disease.
Read more: UF study identifies immune cells that may help sustain Type 1 diabetes attack – UF Health