Understanding how immune cells recognize insulin in type 1 diabetes
Official title: Evolution of B Lymphocyte Insulin Autoantigen Recognition in Type 1 Diabetes
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10997967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called B lymphocytes interact with insulin in type 1 diabetes, using mice to understand how these interactions change over time, which could help develop better treatments for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,295 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DK141224-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of developing type 1 diabetes or those recently diagnosed with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with type 1 diabetes who are not at risk or have advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of B lymphocytes in type 1 diabetes (T1D) by examining how these immune cells recognize insulin and present it to other immune cells. The study uses a mouse model to explore the evolution of insulin-binding B lymphocytes and their impact on the progression of T1D. By analyzing the changes in B cell receptor (BCR) recognition of insulin over time, the research aims to identify factors that contribute to the heterogeneity of diabetes onset and response to immunotherapy. This knowledge could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for T1D patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapies for type 1 diabetes, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in type 1 diabetes, but this specific approach to studying B lymphocyte evolution is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bass, Lindsay Emma — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Bass, Lindsay Emma
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
-
Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
-
Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
-
How the pancreas environment affects insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes
Researchers are studying how the surrounding tissue of the pancreas and its proteins influence insulin-producing cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
-
Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
This study will look at adults with type 1 diabetes to see how their awareness of low blood sugar evolves over time and whether automated insulin delivery and high-intensity exercise can help restore that awareness.
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.