Exploring new T cell targets in type 1 diabetes
Official title: The "dark immunopeptidome" as a source of CD8 T cell epitopes in type 1 diabetes
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10771213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific immune cells in the body recognize certain pieces of insulin that might play a role in type 1 diabetes, with the hope of finding new ways to understand and treat the condition for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $586,996 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135079-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10771213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who may have specific HLA types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 2 diabetes or those without the relevant HLA types may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain T cells recognize unique insulin peptides that may contribute to type 1 diabetes. By analyzing the immunopeptidome of human pancreatic islets, the study aims to identify unconventional insulin peptides that could be targeted by cytotoxic T cells. The approach involves advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to uncover these peptide interactions, which could lead to new insights into the immune response in type 1 diabetes. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and potential new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that improve the management of type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying T cell targets in other autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential for this approach in type 1 diabetes.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dilorenzo, Teresa P — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Dilorenzo, Teresa P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
-
Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
-
Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
-
How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
-
Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
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.