What is the role of autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes? A clinical perspective

Abstract

Despite tremendous research efforts, type 1 diabetes is one of the few remaining autoimmune diseases without any approved immunological treatment. This observation compels us to reconsider the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this commentary, we will review solely human data in an attempt to appreciate, in an unbiased manner, the importance and relevance of the immunological alterations in patients with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this paper is to generate reflection on this topic, rather than a controversy. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.