Abstract
Dysregulation of the immune system contributes to the breakdown of immune regulation, leading to autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). Current therapies for T1D include daily insulin, due to pancreatic β-cell destruction to maintain blood glucose levels, suppressive immunotherapy to decrease the symptoms associated with autoimmunity, and islet transplantation. Genetic risks for T1D have been linked to IL-2 and IL-2R signaling pathways that lead to the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms, primarily through altered regulatory T cell (Treg) function and homeostasis. In attempt to correct such deficits, therapeutic administration of IL-2 at low doses has gained attention due to the capacity to boost Tregs without the unwanted stimulation of effector T cells. Preclinical and clinical studies utilizing low-dose IL-2 have shown promising results to expand Tregs due to their high selective sensitivity to respond to IL-2. These results suggest that low-dose IL-2 therapy represents a new class of immunotherapy for T1D by promoting immune regulation rather than broadly suppressing unwanted and beneficial immune responses.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 46 |
Journal | Current diabetes reports |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1 2016 |
Keywords
- IL-2
- IL-2 receptor
- Low-dose IL-2 therapy
- Tolerance
- Tregs
- Type 1 diabetes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Internal Medicine
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism