Researchers have developed an mRNA therapy that can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. type 1 diabetes.
In this chronic autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, according to the American Diabetes Association. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive and manage their blood sugar levels.
Aiming to prevent the disease, which affects about 1.9 million Americans, researchers at the University of Chicago have genetic instructions According to a press release, it delivers (messenger RNA) directly to cells that produce insulin.
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Once the mRNA enters the cell, it triggers the production of PD-L1, a protein that can protect against immune attack. This protein has been shown to protect against autoimmune disease, inflammation, and healthy tissue damage. Infectedthe researchers pointed out.
in early animal experimentsthe nanoparticles reached the target cells and caused a protective effect. This approach was also shown to be effective in an animal model in which human beta cells were transplanted into mice, the release states.
The study results were published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
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“In this first therapeutic proof-of-concept, we demonstrate that our nanoparticle system can deliver PD-L1 mRNA and slow the progression of type 1 diabetes in mice, while also demonstrating possible translational relevance in human cells,” said the study’s lead author and University of Chicago postdoctoral researcher Jacob Enriquez, Ph.D., in a release.
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“Thus, we have not only provided an innovative and stimulating means of delivery to beta cells, but we have also shown that beta cells can produce PD-L1 in beta cells. immune protection. ”
The main limitation of this study was that it was conducted in a laboratory and animal model rather than in humans. Also, the long-term safety effects and how long protection lasts have not been investigated.
Further trials are required beforehand to confirm safety, dosing, and efficacy. human experimentthe researchers pointed out.
If future human studies confirm these findings, the researchers said, this approach could serve as a new way to prevent or delay type 1 diabetes by protecting insulin-producing cells. Current prevention strategies often involve extensive modifications to the immune system to slow autoimmune attacks on insulin-producing cells.
“This is creating a new level of excitement because we are thinking about using the knowledge we have accumulated over the years to manipulate beta cells,” said co-author Raghu G. Mirmila, director of the Chicago Diabetes Research and Training Center.
“From now on, promising tool Because they can target specific cell types without harming other cells. ”
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This research was funded by Breakthrough T1D and the National Institutes of Health.
