Blocking CD226 to help protect insulin-making cells in type 1 diabetes
The CD226 costimulatory axis in type 1 diabetes
This work looks at whether targeting the immune molecule CD226 can help keep regulatory immune cells working and protect insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286782 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as someone with or affected by type 1 diabetes, researchers are studying an immune molecule called CD226 that may make protective regulatory T cells unstable and allow autoimmune attack on insulin-producing beta cells. They use mouse models of type 1 diabetes with genetic deletion of Cd226, lab studies on human regulatory T cells, and single-cell gene profiling and flow cytometry of immune cells from donor pancreases to understand how CD226 alters immune behavior. Early results show removing or blocking CD226 improves regulatory T cell stability and reduces disease in mice, and human Tregs without CD226 appear more stable and suppressive in lab tests. The team aims to translate these insights toward therapies that could restore immune tolerance in people with type 1 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes, especially those early in disease or willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research, would be the most relevant candidates for related patient-facing efforts.
Not a fit: People without autoimmune type 1 diabetes or those with long-standing, complete loss of insulin-producing cells are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific immune-targeting approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this line of work could lead to treatments that strengthen regulatory immune cells and reduce autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work in NOD mouse models and laboratory studies of human Tregs show promising results, but this approach remains early-stage for use in people.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brusko, Todd Michael — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Brusko, Todd Michael
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.