Immunointervention in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.
The hitherto identified hallmarks of the autoimmune aspects in Type 1 diabetes are reviewed. Their implication in the disclosure of the pre-clinical phase of the disease is put forward. The possible delineation of this pre-diabetic phase can lead to an early immunotherapeutic approach. The effect of immunomodulation by agents such as azathioprine, cyclosporin A and nicotinamide in newly diagnosed diabetes and the use of some of these drugs in clinical trials on pre-diabetic individuals are discussed.
Departement Interne Geneeskunde, AZ VUB, Brussel, België.
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Keymeulen
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Somers
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D011236:Prediabetic State / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D051381:Rats; D011913:Rats, Inbred BB
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine