How gene changes affect immune attacks on insulin-making cells in type 1 diabetes
Project 1 - Immunologic and Cellular Mechanisms of T1D Modifier Mutations
['FUNDING_P01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11096035
This work looks at how specific genetic mutations change immune behavior and the vulnerability of insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11096035 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses mouse models that carry specific gene changes linked to type 1 diabetes to see how those changes alter the immune attack on the pancreas. They will examine immune-cell infiltration into the islets, count and test diabetogenic and regulatory T cells in lymphoid organs, and use cell-transfer experiments to watch antigen presentation and beta-cell responses. The researchers will also study insulin resistance and markers of increased beta-cell sensitivity tied to particular mutations. Results are intended to reveal new steps in how type 1 diabetes starts or progresses, which could guide future human research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes or those at high genetic risk would be the patient groups most relevant to follow-up studies based on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new therapies are unlikely to benefit directly because this project is preclinical and focused on mouse models and basic mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify genetic and immune pathways that point to new ways to prevent or slow type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Similar genetic and immunology work in NOD mouse models has uncovered factors that change diabetes risk in animals, but translating those discoveries into human treatments has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, ZHAO — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, ZHAO
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.