Genes linking autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes
Analyzing Genes for Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Diabetes: Translation to Therapy
This work is developing treatments that stop immune cells from attacking the thyroid and insulin-producing cells in people with autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes.
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 ID | NIH-11238017 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping and sequencing the specific genes that raise the risk for both autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes to understand how these genes trigger immune attack. They discovered a gene variant (BTN3A1) that changes how certain T cells behave, identified disease-causing peptides that fit a specific HLA-DR3 pocket, and built a mouse model carrying these features. Using that model and blood cells from patients, the team tested small molecules (including cepharanthine) and D-amino-acid peptides that block the harmful peptide–HLA interaction and reduce autoreactive T cell responses. The goal is to turn those lab findings into targeted therapies that could be tested in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, or both—especially those with the HLA-DR3 genetic feature or clinical signs of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome—would be most relevant for related trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People with type 2 diabetes or autoimmune conditions not driven by the specific genes/HLA-DR3 pathway are unlikely to benefit from these targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce autoimmune attacks on the thyroid and pancreas, helping preserve organ function and reduce dependence on lifelong hormone or insulin replacement.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and mouse studies, and tests on patient blood cells, have shown promising results with small-molecule inhibitors and D-peptides, but human clinical testing of these approaches is still new.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomer, Yaron — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tomer, Yaron
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.