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Vaccine to Suppress Type 1 Onset in At-Risk Children Could Be Based on Enzyme
Unlike most vaccines, which work by “teaching” the immune system to attack something, this one would instruct it to avoid attacking pancreatic beta cells—the haywire autoimmune response responsible for the onset of type 1.
Georgia researchers believe that a powerful enzyme that inhibits or modifies immune system response could be the basis for a vaccine administered to children at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes.
Unlike most vaccines, which work by "teaching" the immune system to attack something, this one would instruct it to avoid attacking pancreatic beta cells-the haywire autoimmune response responsible for the onset of type 1.
The enzyme, called indoleomine 2,3-dioxegenase (IDO), is an immune system inhibitor that fetuses use to fend off or prevent an immune response directed against them by their mothers' bodies.
In their experiments with IDO, scientists at the Medical College of Georgia Immunotherapy Center in Augusta bundled the enzyme with dendritic cells, which are the cells that "tell" the body's powerful T cells to launch an attack. Apparently the dendritic cells' association with IDO was enough to keep the body's powerful immune system warriors pacified.
Children at risk of developing type 1 do not have any or enough IDO associated with their dendritic cells, which leads them to invite T cell attacks on pancreatic beta cells. A vaccine that could increase dendritic cells' association with IDO would prevent, perhaps permanently, the T cell attack that eventually destroys the insulin-producing capability in patients' pancreases and signals the onset of type 1.
Categories: Diabetes, Diabetes, Insulin, Kids & Teens, Medications, Medications Research, Type 1 Issues
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Feb 25, 2009
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Diabetes Health
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.
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Topics
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- Type 1 / 1.5 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose / Sugar
- High/Low Blood Sugar / Fast Acting Glucose
- Insulin- Pumps, Pens & Syringes
- Continuous Glucose Monitors, CGM, Infusion Sets
- Type 2 Medications
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
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