Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
High-Efficiency Generation of Antigen-Specific Primary Mouse Cytotoxic T Cells for Functional Testing in an Autoimmune Diabetes Model
Published on: August 16, 2019
Tolerogenic Nanoparticles to Treat Islet Autoimmunity
Tobias Neef1, Stephen D Miller2
1Department of Microbiology-Immunology and Interdepartmental Immunobiology Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 6-713 Tarry Building, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The current standard therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is insulin replacement. Autoimmune diseases are typically treated with broad immunosuppression, but this has multiple disadvantages. Induction of antigen-specific tolerance is preferable. The application of nanomedicine to the problem of T1D can take different forms, but one promising way is the development of tolerogenic nanoparticles, the aim of which is to mitigate the islet-destroying autoimmunity. We review the topic and highlight recent strategies to produce tolerogenic nanoparticles for the purpose of treating T1D.
Recent Findings:
Several groups are making progress in applying tolerogenic nanoparticles to rodent models of T1D, while others are using nanotechnology to aid other potential T1D treatments such as islet transplant and islet encapsulation. The strategies behind how nanoparticles achieve tolerance are varied. It is likely the future will see even greater diversity in tolerance induction strategies as well as a greater focus on how to translate this technology from preclinical use in mice to treatment of T1D in humans.
