Disruption of multiple complement proteins linked to development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes: Study

A recent study published in the journal of iScience explored the important role of the complement system in the early stages of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) which could potentially pave the way for improved detection and prevention strategies. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition which affects millions worldwide and is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. 

This recent study conducted by the team of Bobbie-Jo Webb-Robertson highlighted the significance of gene-environment interactions in initiating the autoimmune response that leads to T1D. Also, this study reveals that disruptions in the complement system precede the appearance of islet autoantibodies which indicate autoimmunity in T1D patients.

The complement system is a complex network of proteins involved in immune responses that appears to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of T1D. The research analyzed samples from children at risk of developing T1D and observed lower levels of complement proteins in those who progressed to clinical T1D when compared to the individuals who did not.

These findings suggest that monitoring complement protein levels could be a valuable biomarker for predicting the onset of T1D and potentially intervening to prevent the progression. Targeting the complement pathway could offer new therapeutic options for managing and potentially slowing down or stopping the development of T1D. The outcomes emphasized the significance of the complement system that represents an understudied but promising target to understand and combating the Type 1 Diabetes.

Reference:

Webb-Robertson, B.-J. M., Nakayasu, E. S., Dong, F., Waugh, K. C., Flores, J. E., Bramer, L. M., Schepmoes, A. A., Gao, Y., Fillmore, T. L., Onengut-Gumuscu, S., Frazer-Abel, A., Rich, S. S., Holers, V. M., Metz, T. O., & Rewers, M. J. (2024). Decrease in multiple complement proteins associated with development of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes. In iScience (Vol. 27, Issue 2, p. 108769). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.108769