T-cells mistakenly kill off insulin producing cells

[Amity Island]

Proteins from bacteria known to infect us can generate killer T-cells that can literally kill insulin-producing cells.

This research is led by Cardiff University’s Professor Andrew Sewell who first showed that killer T-cells cause type 1 diabetes by killing insulin-producing cells.

“We found that after encountering proteins from some infectious bacteria, killer T-cells could mistakenly also kill cells producing the insulin protein."

'Type 1 diabetes breakthrough as T-cell study may lead to improved treatment'

Dr Miriam Stoppard on the news that a white blood cell, involved in battling infections, could cause type 1 diabetes, but doctors hope this breakthrough could lead to better ways to treat it

www.mirror.co.uk

 

[Satan’s little helper]

Yadda yadda yadda. Conjecture not an idea for cure?

 

[Inka]

Interestingly I read recently that beta cells can differ slightly and some are less ‘visible’ to the immune system and thus survive longer. Maybe they could replicate those to evade the immune attack @Amity Island ?

 

[trophywench]

Well chaps every new bit of research has its value whether it 100% cures a medical condition instantly, or solves something that's been pondered about for decades. Last evening the Beeb reported that Coventry Hospital had just installed a promising sounding newly invented type of scanner for use in prostatectomies. First operating theatre in the world to get this, hence clearly though not actually said, part of the actual proper 'real testing on real people' that is essential for any newly invented kit or drug. Of course it doesn't help anyone who already has Stage 4 prostate cancer because the original has already metastasized BUT if it helps some of the chaps who get it in future/from now on - let's not knock it, please!