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Published on: October 10, 2012

Viral diabetes mellitus in man and experimental animals

J E Craighead

    The American Journal of Medicine
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Viruses may cause diabetes mellitus by targeting beta cells. Host genetics and immune responses influence disease severity, suggesting a complex interplay in viral-induced diabetes.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Endocrinology

    Background:

    • Environmental factors, including viruses, are implicated in diabetes mellitus pathogenesis.
    • Genetic and epidemiological studies suggest a role for external agents in disease development.
    • Group B Coxsackie viruses and mumps virus are among the suspected viral culprits.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the potential etiologic role of viruses in diabetes mellitus.
    • To investigate the tropism of viruses for pancreatic beta cells.
    • To examine the influence of host factors on viral-induced diabetes.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of accumulating evidence on viral roles in diabetes.
    • Examination of experimental animal models with viral infections.
    • Analysis of immunopathologic and genetic factors in disease development.

    Main Results:

    • Picornaviruses, similar to Coxsackie viruses, show tropism for beta cells in mice, inducing a diabetes-like condition.
    • Genetic and metabolic factors modulate the severity of beta cell injury in experimental models.
    • Cell-mediated immunity develops post-viral lesions in islets, and histocompatibility genes are critical in human diabetes.

    Conclusions:

    • Certain viruses may specifically target and destroy pancreatic beta cells during systemic infections.
    • Host genetic and immune factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of viral-induced diabetes.
    • The precise contribution of host factors to disease development requires further definition.

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