Investigating immune cell behavior in early Type 1 Diabetes

Clonal expansion: a marker of disease activity in stage 1 T1D

NIH-funded research Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-10975296

This study is looking at how certain immune cells behave in the early stages of Type 1 Diabetes to see if their growth can help us understand the disease better before it harms insulin-producing cells, and it's for people who have just started showing signs of this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBenaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10975296 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how specific immune cells, particularly T and B cells, behave in the early stages of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It aims to identify whether the clonal expansion of these cells can serve as a reliable marker for disease activity before significant damage to insulin-producing beta cells occurs. By analyzing samples from individuals with stage 1 T1D, the study will compare those with stable versus variable autoantibody levels to determine the relationship between immune cell activity and disease progression. This approach utilizes advanced techniques in cellular immunology to provide insights into the early mechanisms of T1D.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with stage 1 Type 1 Diabetes who have detectable islet-specific autoantibodies.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes or those in later stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for individuals at risk of developing Type 1 Diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using immune cell markers to predict disease progression in autoimmune conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.