Understanding Nerve Damage in Autoimmune Diabetes
Cellular and Genetic Mechanisms of Autoimmune Diabetes Associated Neuritis
This project explores how the immune system, which causes Type 1 diabetes, might also harm nerves, leading to conditions like autoimmune neuropathy.
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 ID | NIH-11123419 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores how the immune system, which attacks the pancreas in Type 1 diabetes, might also target nerves. Researchers believe that certain immune cells, called lymphocytes, might be the first to damage nerves by reacting to proteins found in both the pancreas and the nervous system. They are using a new mouse model that mimics how Type 1 diabetes can lead to nerve damage, similar to a condition called chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). By studying these mice, they hope to understand the early steps of nerve damage and how the immune response expands. This work aims to uncover the specific cells and processes involved in nerve damage linked to autoimmune diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with Type 1 diabetes who experience or are at risk for autoimmune nerve damage.
Not a fit: Patients without autoimmune diabetes or related nerve conditions would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat nerve damage in people with Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on existing findings in both mice and patients, using a novel mouse model to further dissect the stages of nerve damage.
Where this research is happening
Bar Harbor, United States
- Jackson Laboratory — Bar Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Racine, Jeremy J — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Racine, Jeremy J
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.