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Immune complexes in type I diabetics with persistent islet cell antibodies
Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Immunology
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Patients with persistent pancreatic islet cell antibodies (ICAb) show a higher prevalence of immune complexes (AgAb). This finding suggests a potential link between autoimmune markers in type I diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by pancreatic islet cell antibodies (ICAb).
- The presence and significance of immune complexes (AgAb) in long-standing type I diabetes require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of immune complexes (AgAb) in type I diabetic patients with persistent pancreatic IgG antibodies to the cytoplasm of pancreatic islet cells (ICAb).
- To explore the association of AgAb with HLA type, insulin antibodies, and other autoantibodies in type I diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 33 type I diabetics with persistent ICAb (≥3 years post-diagnosis) and 69 ICAb-negative diabetics were tested for AgAb, insulin antibodies, and thyroid/gastric cytoplasmic antibodies.
- Subjects underwent HLA typing.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of AgAb was observed in patients with persistent ICAb (52%) compared to ICAb-negative diabetics (19%) and normal donors (10%).
- AgAb positivity showed a non-significant increase in HLA-B8 positive ICAb persisters.
- A significant negative correlation was found between AgAb levels and insulin antibody titers.
Conclusions:
- Persistent ICAb in type I diabetes is associated with a higher prevalence of circulating immune complexes (AgAb).
- AgAb may play a role in the autoimmune process of type I diabetes, independent of insulin antibody levels or HLA-B8 association.