How a specific insulin peptide can help prevent immune attacks on insulin-producing cells in diabetes.
Official title: Induction of tolerance to a Hybrid Insulin Peptide and the impact on autoreactive T cell fate and function in autoimmune diabetic islet transplant
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10995525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with Type 1 Diabetes by using a special insulin peptide to teach the immune system to stop attacking the cells that make insulin, with hopes of improving treatments and possibly reversing the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,897 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI181452-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995525 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 benefit from improved immune tolerance therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes or those whose diabetes is not autoimmune in nature may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) by using a specific insulin peptide to induce tolerance in the immune system. The study focuses on how this peptide can suppress harmful T cells that attack insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By using a mouse model, researchers will explore the mechanisms behind this tolerance and its effects on T cell behavior, aiming to improve the survival of islet transplants. The ultimate goal is to develop a therapy that could help manage or even reverse autoimmune diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect insulin-producing cells and improve outcomes for patients with Type 1 Diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using antigen-specific immunotherapy to induce tolerance in autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dilisio, James E — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Dilisio, James E
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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.