Abstracto

Molecular and Immunological Mechanisms of B-Cell Death in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

AS Mohamed*

The major susceptibility genes to T1DM are located mainly in HLA region. In addition to HLA, many genes, such as human insulin gene (INS), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and PTPN22, also contribute to the risk of T1DM. The mechanisms involved in the β-cell destruction in T1DM are complex. The main feature of this disease is lymphocytic infiltration or inflammation in pancreatic islets insulitis causes destruction of the insulin producing β-cells. The main defects in type 1 diabetes are presence of autoantigens and abnormalities in immune cells. This review outlines the molecular and immunological mechanisms mediate destruction of the pancreatic β-cells.