A model for the involvement of MHC class II proteins in the development of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus in response to bovine serum albumin peptides

Abstract

Considerations of the structure of a candidate initiating antigen have led us to propose a new model for the susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes. It is quite likely there are other antigens of similar structure of viral or bacterial origin that will provoke a similar response directed against islet beta cells. However, we believe that this hypothesis will provide a framework for the further investigation and research into the mechanism of development of Type 1 diabetes and for the design of therapeutic manoeuvres for its prevention. © 1993 Springer-Verlag.