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Researchers in Australia have developed a biological agent that has the potential to prevent type 1 diabetes by improving aspects of leukocyte function that are impaired in people who develop autoimmune diseases.
Professor Josephine Forbes, a researcher at the University of Queensland (UQ) School of Medicine, released Thursday in a lab test showing that a protein known as sRAGE can correct defective regulatory T cells, leaving the immune system out of control. Prevents it from becoming diabetic.
“Our preclinical studies show that this drug is safer and far less disturbing than current treatments tested for type 1 diabetes prophylaxis, such as regulatory T cell infusion.” She said.
“We are already working with foreign companies to find ways to provide treatment in the form of tablets and are optimistic about starting clinical trials within three years.”
Type 1 diabetes —Also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes — a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, producing little or no insulin. , Adjust your blood sugar level.
This condition usually manifests in childhood or adolescence. Due to the lack of cure, treatment focuses on controlling blood glucose levels with insulin administration and dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage. , And eye problems.
According to figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, type 1 diabetes affects about 12 out of 100,000 people in Australia, and about 7 new cases are diagnosed per day.
Use sRAGE to enhance regulatory T cells at various sites and prevent complications
Mator In laboratory trials using a human cell model, researcher Dr. Sherman Leung found that treatment with sRAGE, which increases regulatory T cells at key sites in the body that are important for the development of type 1 diabetes, has two benefits. Said showed.
“We have found that using sRAGE in the pancreas, pancreatic lymph nodes, and spleen to enhance regulatory T cells prevents diabetes and improves insulin expression and function,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Forbes told The Epoch Times in an email that sRAGE could also help prevent complications in people who have already been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“So far, the sRAGE protein has been tested as a treatment to prevent the development of type 1 diabetes, which means it provides people at risk of stopping the disease,” she said.
“That said, we also know that sRAGE plays an important role in the development of chronic complications of type 1 diabetes, especially kidney and cardiovascular disease.”
Forbes added that it has not yet tested whether sRAGE can improve regulatory T cell function and insulin secretion in people who already have type 1 diabetes. Nevertheless, it is plausible if given fast enough after diagnosis.
“But for those who really have a significant loss of insulin-producing beta cells, or who have had the disease for many years, this may not be the case. Treatments that provide new beta cells that can protect against the immune system. The law is a more likely solution, “she said.
“The University of Adelaide is doing great research with teams conducting clinical trials in the field using highly innovative skin-based implants.”
The findings of the Forbes and Leung team were published in the journal of the American Diabetes Association.Diabetes” It was subsequently replicated by an independent research team at Novo Nordisk in the United States.
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