Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati have identified a promising protein, IL-35, that could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.
About IL-35
IL-35 is a unique protein composed of two specific chains, IL-12α and IL-27β, with promising potential in immunotherapy for type 1 and autoimmune diabetes.
- IL-35 has been found to play a protective role in the immune system by reducing specific immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals.
- This reduction helps lower pancreatic cell infiltration, a major contributor to the development of autoimmune diabetes.
Enroll now for UPSC Online Course
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that enhances or modifies the immune system to fight diseases, especially cancers and autoimmune conditions.
- Types of Immunotherapy
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Block proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells (e.g., Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab).
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Involves engineering T-cells to better recognize and kill cancer cells
- Cancer Vaccines: Stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells
- Cytokine Therapy: Uses immune-boosting proteins like interferons and interleukins to stimulate immune cells.
- Applications: Used in treating cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, and blood cancers, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
|
About Autoimmune Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.Causes: It is a complex disease involving both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that contribute to the autoimmune response against beta cells.
- Impact: In genetically susceptible individuals, the inflammatory attack on beta cells leads to a chronic deficiency of insulin. This process results in a lifelong dependence on external (exogenous) insulin for managing blood glucose levels.
- Macrophages: Derived from monocytes (a type of white blood cell originating in the bone marrow), macrophages play a vital role in immune defence.
- Monocytes can differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells when foreign pathogens invade the body.
- T-cells and B-cells: Both T-cells and B-cells are white blood cells known as lymphocytes.
- These cells are critical to immune function and are involved in the autoimmune response in diabetes.
|
Role of IL-35 in the Immune System
- Immune Regulation: IL-35 regulates various immune components, including macrophages, T-cells, and regulatory B-cells, all of which are crucial in managing immune responses.
- IL-35 impacts the immune system by
- Inhibiting Macrophage Activation and T-cell Proteins: IL-35 prevents immune cells from attacking pancreatic beta cells, essential for insulin production.
- Regulating Regulatory B Cells: These cells play a vital role in moderating immune responses, helping prevent autoimmune attacks on pancreatic cells. Lowering Inflammatory Cell Production: By reducing specific immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals, IL-35 minimizes pancreatic cell infiltration, a critical factor in both type 1 and autoimmune diabetes.
Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store
Significance of the IL-35 identification
- The global diabetes epidemic, particularly concerning children and adolescents in developing countries, demands effective new therapies.
- Traditional treatments focus on symptom management, but IL-35-mediated immunotherapy offers a new approach by addressing the immune response directly, potentially leading to more lasting control over the disease.
November 7, 2024
