Understanding how autoimmune diabetes may trigger nerve damage
Official title: Cellular and Genetic Mechanisms of Autoimmune Diabetes Associated Neuritis
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11348955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how kinds of immune cells that attack the pancreas in type 1 diabetes might also start damaging nerves, with a special mouse model to help understand this connection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $424,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136472-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with type 1 diabetes who may be at risk for or developing autoimmune neuropathies, or those with peripheral nerve symptoms linked to autoimmune processes.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without autoimmune nerve involvement or diabetes-related immune complications may have little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why some people with type 1 diabetes develop autoimmune neuropathies by examining immune cells that target nervous-system proteins shared with the pancreas. Scientists use a new mouse model (NOD-PerIg) where B cells carry a nerve- protein reactive receptor to see how early nerve damage begins and what triggers it. They will track how nerve inflammation progresses and which immune steps lead to demyelination and neuropathy, hoping to map opportunities for intervention. The study combines findings from mouse experiments and human data to clarify the link between islet autoimmunity and nerve disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could identify early immune targets and timing for preventing or treating autoimmune nerve damage in people with type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows a link between pancreatic and nerve autoimmunity and that specialized mouse models can mimic T1D-associated neuritis, supporting this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Racine, Jeremy J — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Racine, Jeremy J
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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.