Targeting dendritic cells to prevent and treat Type 1 Diabetes
Engineering dendritic cells to target islet antigen to pro-tolerogenic subsets for prevention and treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11058514
This study is exploring a new way to help people with Type 1 Diabetes by teaching certain immune cells to recognize and accept the body's own insulin-producing cells, which could help prevent the immune system from attacking them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11058514 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on engineering dendritic cells (DCs) to specifically present islet-derived antigens in a way that promotes immune tolerance rather than triggering an immune response. By ensuring that these antigens are presented only by non-activated, tolerogenic DCs, the goal is to eliminate harmful auto-reactive T cells and encourage the development of protective regulatory T cells. The approach involves creating a method to deliver these antigens exclusively to the right type of DCs, which has not been effectively achieved in clinical settings before. This innovative strategy aims to provide a new avenue for treating Type 1 Diabetes by restoring immune balance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes who are experiencing challenges with autoimmunity.
Not a fit: Patients with Type 2 Diabetes or other non-autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that prevents or reverses Type 1 Diabetes by restoring immune tolerance.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been pre-clinical studies showing promise in targeting dendritic cells for immune tolerance, this specific approach is novel and has not yet been tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AGUDO CANTERO, JUDITH — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: AGUDO CANTERO, JUDITH
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases, autoimmune disorder