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Organ donation leads Melbourne scientists to type 1 diabetes breakthrough

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Researchers from St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) have for the first time been able to catch immune cells at the ‘scene of the crime’ in type 1 diabetes, by isolating them from the pancreas of an organ donor who had the disease. The researchers were also able to show that the cells were recognising a particular part of the insulin molecule itself.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune cells mistakenly destroy the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Until now, it was not known exactly what components of the insulin-producing cells the immune cells targeted in humans.

Dr Stuart Mannering and his team at SVI studied a pancreas that had been donated by the family of a 19 year-old man who died due to complications of type 1 diabetes. Their findings will have an immediate impact on the design of clinical trials aimed at preventing the disease.

In research published online in the journal Diabetes today, Dr Mannering isolated immune cells from the insulin-producing regions of the donated pancreas. “We caught the immune cells at the ‘scene of the crime’ in the pancreas and then we were able to characterise them: no one has been able to do this in humans before,” he said. In fact, the existence of cells with exactly these properties has long been predicted but this is the first time they have been found.

Professor Tom Kay, Director of SVI and co-author on the study, says that the work is a technical triumph. “Researchers do not normally have access to a pancreas from someone with type 1 diabetes and studies have mainly relied on the blood, where such cells are much rarer than in the the pancreas.”

By identifying the exact portion of insulin that the immune T cells target in human diabetes, the study gives a new angle of attack for clinical trials looking to prevent type 1 diabetes. “Manipulating the immune system provides a promising approach to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes which is the ultimate goal of our research program at SVI,” says Dr Mannering.

Professor Kay says that the work highlights the powerful impact that organ donation can have on research. “This is just one of the many benefits of the remarkable process of organ donation and transplantation. We gratefully acknowledge the donor’s family, who could see past their personal tragedy to the potential benefits of organ donation.”


Mike Wilson, CEO of JDRF says the research is exactly the kind of exciting progress that those living with type 1 diabetes are hoping for. “This breakthrough represents another step towards preventing and potentially curing type 1 diabetes. It is welcome news and a cause for renewed hope for all people living with type 1 diabetes and their families. JDRF is delighted to have helped fund Dr Mannering’s research.”

(Source: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Diabetes)


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Posted On: 26 August, 2014
Modified On: 27 August, 2014

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