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Updated: May 5, 2026

Methods to Assess Beta Cell Death Mediated by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
Published on: June 16, 2011
beta-Cell death during progression to diabetes
1Section on Immunology and Immunogenetics, Joslin Diabetes Centre, One Joslin Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Abstract:
The hallmark of type 1 diabetes is specific destruction of pancreatic islet beta-cells. Apoptosis of beta-cells may be crucial at several points during disease progression, initiating leukocyte invasion of the islets and terminating the production of insulin in islet cells. beta-Cell apoptosis may also be involved in the occasional evolution of type 2 into type 1 diabetes.
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