[Prevent and cure insulin-dependent diabetes]

Abstract

Insulin-dependent mellitus diabetes is an autoimmune disease resulting from the destruction of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans by autoreactive T cells. Various approaches are being investigated in order to slow down the progression of diabetes using immunotherapy. The most promising results are based on the induction of specific tolerance following the administration of soluble autoantigens or monoclonal anti-CD3 antibodies. These strategies, initially developed in the NOD mouse, have been proven to be efficacious in recently diagnosed diabetics.