Investigating how a virus may trigger immune responses that damage insulin-producing cells in diabetes.
Official title: Examining the Role of CVB in the Generation of Beta Cell Neoantigens and Targeted Approaches at Therapeutic Intervention
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11105982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Coxsackie virus B might trigger Type 1 diabetes by causing the immune system to attack the insulin-making cells in the pancreas, and it aims to find ways to prevent or lessen the disease for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 12, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $500,394 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132583-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Type 1 diabetes, particularly those with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established Type 1 diabetes who are already managing their condition may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Coxsackie virus B (CVB) in the development of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) by examining how it may cause the immune system to mistakenly attack insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The study aims to identify how certain proteins in these cells become altered during viral infections, leading to the production of neo-antigens that provoke an autoimmune response. By exploring the interactions between these altered proteins and immune cells, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind the breakdown of immune tolerance in genetically predisposed individuals. This could ultimately inform targeted therapeutic interventions to prevent or mitigate T1D.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Type 1 diabetes by targeting the underlying autoimmune processes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding autoimmune responses in Type 1 diabetes, but this specific approach examining CVB's role is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piganelli, Jon D — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Piganelli, Jon D
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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.