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T helper cell subsets in insulin-dependent diabetes
J D Katz1, C Benoist, D Mathis
1Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM-CNRS-Université Louis Pasteur, Illkirch, CU de Strasbourg, France.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 26, 1995
Summary
T helper 1 (TH1) cells promote diabetes, while T helper 2 (TH2) cells do not protect against it. This study investigated the role of TH1 and TH2 cell phenotypes in the development of insulin-dependent diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- The development of insulin-dependent diabetes is hypothesized to be regulated by the balance between T helper 1 (TH1) and T helper 2 (TH2) cell phenotypes.
- TH1 cells are proposed to drive disease, whereas TH2 cells are suggested to offer protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct roles of TH1 and TH2 cell phenotypes in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes.
- To compare the disease-inducing potential of TH1 cells versus the protective capacity of TH2 cells.
Main Methods:
- Cultures of TH1 and TH2 cells expressing an identical diabetogenic T cell receptor were established.
- These cell cultures were introduced into neonatal nonobese diabetic mice to assess their ability to initiate disease.
Main Results:
- TH1-like cells were found to actively promote the development of diabetes.
- TH2-like cells infiltrated the islets of Langerhans but did not induce disease.
- TH2 cells did not provide significant protection against diabetes development.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that TH1 cells are diabetogenic.
- TH2 cells, while capable of islet infiltration, do not appear to protect against or promote diabetes.
- The balance between TH1 and TH2 cells may be crucial in regulating autoimmune diabetes progression.