APC Activation Restores Functional CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells in NOD Mice that Can Prevent Diabetes Development
2008

Activating Immune Cells Can Prevent Diabetes in Mice

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Manirarora Jean N., Kosiewicz Michele M., Parnell Sarah A., Alard Pascale

Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Health Sciences Center (HSC), Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America

Hypothesis

Failure of NOD APC to properly activate CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells in vivo could compromise their ability to control pathogenic cells, and activation of NOD APC could restore this defect, thereby preventing disease.

Conclusion

Activating antigen-presenting cells (APC) in NOD mice enhances regulatory T cell function and can prevent diabetes development.

Supporting Evidence

  • Treatment with CFA increased Foxp3 expression in NOD cells.
  • CD4+CD25+ cells from pancreatic LN of CFA-treated NOD mice transferred protection from diabetes.
  • APC isolated from CFA-treated mice increased regulatory function by NOD CD4+CD25+ cells in vitro.

Takeaway

Researchers found that by activating certain immune cells in mice, they could help prevent diabetes from developing.

Methodology

The study used complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to activate APC in NOD mice and assessed the function of regulatory T cells through various assays.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on a mouse model, which may not fully translate to human diabetes.

Participant Demographics

NOD female mice aged 6 to 34 weeks were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003739

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication