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Toll-like receptor blocker slows beta cell death in type 1 diabetes

Nature Biotechnology volume 30, page 124 (2012)Cite this article

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The news is particularly welcome after the recent failures of two phase 3 trials of humanized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) aimed at arresting islet-destroying T cells, which have been a blow to the field (Nat. Biotechnol. 29, 782–785, 2011). To complicate matters, the number of type 1 diabetes cases is on the rise. “Studies from Europe have highlighted the increase, particularly in young children,” notes Yale University's Kevan Herold.

Several groups are pursuing immunotherapeutic strategies. “This is a very active field,” says Mark Peakman, of King's College London. “We know a lot about the cells involved and how the damage occurs.” Immunotherapy can focus either on suppressing the autoreactive T cells in the immune system or modulating natural pathways to slow beta cell destruction. DiaPep277 falls into the latter category, which Peakman believes has a better safety profile.

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    Susan Aldridge

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Aldridge, S. Toll-like receptor blocker slows beta cell death in type 1 diabetes. Nat Biotechnol 30, 124 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0212-124c

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