This Sugar Molecule Could Stop Type 1 Diabetes, by Fooling the Immune System

This sugar molecule could stop type 1 diabetes, by fooling the immune system

In a fascinating twist, Mayo Clinic researchers discovered that a sugar molecule cancer cells use to hide from the immune system might also protect insulin-producing beta cells in type 1 diabetes. By engineering these cells with the same sugar molecule—sialic acid—they prevented immune attacks in lab models. This approach could lead to better transplant options without broad immune suppression, offering hope for millions living with the autoimmu…

Sugar layer on beta cells prevents immune system from causing type 1 diabetes

Scientific breakthroughs in one disease don't always shed light on treating other diseases. But that's been the surprising journey of one Mayo Clinic research team. After identifying a sugar molecule that cancer cells use on their surfaces to hide from the immune system, the researchers have found the same molecule may eventually help in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes.

JCI ST8Sia6 overexpression protects pancreatic β cells from spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells, resulting in permanent loss of glucose homeostasis. Islet transplantation is a promising potential cure that remains hindered by immune rejection. We previously showed that ST8Sia6 expression on tumors reduced immune surveillance and hypothesized that this sialyltransferase could protect β cells from autoimmune destruction. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic exp…

Sugar Molecule on Beta Cells Linked to Immune System Evasion in Type 1 Diabetes Research

Researchers have identified a sugar molecule on the sur […] The post Sugar Molecule on Beta Cells Linked to Immune System Evasion in Type 1 Diabetes Research first appeared on GeneOnline News. The post Sugar Molecule on Beta Cells Linked to Immune System Evasion in Type 1 Diabetes Research appeared first on GeneOnline News.

Mayo Clinic Researchers Find “Sugar Coating” Cells Can Protect Those Typically Destroyed in Type 1 Diabetes

Scientific breakthroughs in one disease don't always shed light on treating other diseases. But that's been the surprising journey of one Mayo Clinic research team.