Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
06:27
Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells
Published on: May 6, 2013
Virus infections in type 1 diabetes
Ken T Coppieters1, Tobias Boettler, Matthias von Herrath
1Center for Type 1 Diabetes Research, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|February 9, 2012
Summary
Viruses, particularly enteroviruses, are investigated as potential triggers for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Research explores the complex relationship between viral infections and islet autoimmunity, with new findings suggesting protective roles in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The exact cause of type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains elusive, with viruses suspected as environmental triggers.
- Evidence linking viral infections to islet autoimmunity initiation or progression is largely circumstantial.
- Enteroviruses show the strongest association with T1D, capable of inducing disease in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current data on the association between viral infections and T1D in mouse models and humans.
- To explore mechanistic hypotheses for how viruses influence islet autoimmunity and beta-cell destruction.
- To identify future research directions for understanding the virus-T1D connection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and data from mouse models.
- Analysis of human studies investigating viral links to T1D.
- Synthesis of mechanistic hypotheses regarding viral impact on islet autoimmunity.
Main Results:
- Enteroviruses are the most implicated viral species in T1D pathogenesis.
- Some viral infections, under specific conditions, may paradoxically prevent autoimmune diabetes.
- The relationship between viruses and T1D is complex and not fully understood.
Conclusions:
- While viruses, especially enteroviruses, are implicated in T1D, the evidence is not definitive.
- The role of viruses in T1D may be more nuanced than previously believed, with potential protective effects observed.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and conditions under which viruses influence T1D development or prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
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...
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...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...