Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Sustained Administration of β-cell Mitogens to Intact Mouse Islets Ex Vivo Using Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres
Published on: November 5, 2016
Immunomodulation with heat shock protein DiaPep277 to preserve beta cell function in type 1 diabetes - an update
Britta Fischer1, Dana Elias, Reinhard G Bretzel
1Justus Liebig University, Medical Clinic and Policlinic 3, Rodthohl 6, 35385 Giessen, Germany.
Importance Of The Field:
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which pancreatic beta cells are selectively destroyed. Ultimately hyperglycemia develops and insulin substitution becomes necessary. Immunomodulation aims at arresting this autoimmune attack. DiaPep277, the major T-cell epitope of heat shock protein 60 (hsp60), has been shown to be effective as a modulator of the immune system in type 1 diabetes and is the focus of this review.
Areas Covered In This Review:
A literature search of Pubmed listed publications covering 1990 - 2009 and a website search of the licensing company were performed.
What The Reader Will Gain:
DiaPep277 has been successfully employed in animal models and has been investigated in Phase I - III studies in humans. A combined analysis of the Phase II trials showed a significant preservation of beta cell function in adults without adverse effects, but HbA1c was not changed. A Phase III clinical trial is ongoing, and a second Phase III trial will start in early 2010. Addressing the underlying autoimmune process is the call of the future in type 1 diabetes.
Take Home Message:
Use of Diapep277 is a promising therapeutic strategy currently being tested in Phase III trials.
Related Concept Videos
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...

