Immunology of type 1 diabetes - Intervention and prevention strategies

Type 1 diabetes is the outcome of a progressive and selective destruction o f insulin-producing cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The preci se cause and mechanism(s) that trigger the insulin-producing cell destructi on are still unclear, although it is well accepted that an autoimmune proce ss plays a central role in diabetes development among genetically susceptib le children. Additionally, certain viral infections, especially these cause d by Coxsackievirus B, have been associated with the onset of type 1 diabet es. Possible gene therapy-based prevention and intervention strategies are discussed, based on the most accepted models of type 1 diabetes pathogenesi s.