Protective HLA genes and insulin-targeting immune cells in type 1 diabetes
Insulin specific T cell response shaped by diabetes protective MHC class II molecules
This project looks at how HLA genes that protect against type 1 diabetes change insulin-targeting immune cells, which could help people at risk for the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323102 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that researchers are using a combination of mouse models and human HLA comparisons to see how protective versus risk HLA class II molecules present pieces of insulin to CD4 T cells. They label the insulin B:9-23 peptide and use tetramers and immune assays to find and track insulin-specific regulatory T cells in lymph nodes and pancreas. The team compares animals that develop diabetes with those that are protected to understand which T cell interactions prevent disease. Results are meant to inform whether boosting similar protective immune responses in people might prevent or slow type 1 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with type 1 diabetes, relatives or others with high genetic risk (specific HLA types), or individuals willing to donate blood or tissue for research.
Not a fit: People with type 2 diabetes, unrelated conditions, or those who do not carry the relevant HLA types are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to ways to increase protective regulatory T cells and reduce the risk or severity of type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and some human HLA research suggest protective alleles can promote regulatory T cell responses, but turning that into human therapies remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michels, Aaron W — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Michels, Aaron W
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.