Prevention of β-cell destruction in autoimmune diabetes: Current approaches and future prospects

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from the destruction of pancreatic β-cells. The main aim of treatment should be to prevent β-cell destruction and preserve existing β-cells in individuals with progressive autoimmunity. This can be achieved in several ways and in this chapter the authors have reviewed recent approaches that are currently being tested in animal models and human T1D patients under the following categories: i) antigen based therapy, ii) antibody-based therapy iii) other forms of therapy and iv) failed therapies. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.