Composition and method for predicting, preventing and/or treating autoimmune disorders including Type 1 diabetes

Project ID:  BIO01005Background:An estimated 1.8 million people in the U.S. have Type 1 diabetes, many undiagnosed. Type 1 diabetes is mediated by autoreactive T cells that induce inflammations in the pancreatic islets and selectively destroy the insulin-producing β cells in the pancreas. This leads to dangerously high levels of glucose in the blood. Immune responses to several β-cell proteins, including glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), are indicative of Type 1 diabetes. GAD65 autoantibodies are very common in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients and can be visible years before the onset of the disease. In addition, T cell responses to selected fragments of GAD65 are associated with the progression of diabetes. Therefore, it is desirable to control the pathogenic activities of islet-specific T cells to ameliorate the onset and progression of Type 1 diabetes. Several islet proteins are targeted in immune-mediated attacks against insulin-producing islet cells in Type 1 diabetes. Ability to control the pathogenic activities of islet-specific T-cells offers the opportunity to ameliorate the onset and progression of Type 1 diabetes and may provide protection from recurrent diabetes in individuals receiving islet transplants.Invention Description:A panel of molecules has been developed that antagonize the activities of a unique set of islet-specific T-cells that contribute to the progression of diabetes in a mouse model. These molecules are also antagonistic in humanized mice that express human Hla alleles associated with increased risk of Type 1 diabetes.Applications: Treat, predict, and/or prevent autoimmune disorders including Type 1 diabetes Aid in the success of islet transplantsAdvantages:1.     Peptide fragments are closely related to the natural sequence.2.     Antagonize the activities of islet-specific T cells.3.     Reduces the risk of accidental activation of pathogenic T cells.4.     Induces only a partial response in protein-specific lymphocytes.5.     May alter the ability of T-cells to proliferate and produce cytokines.6.     Can be utilized at high doses in pre-diabetic subjects who display increase risk of developing type 1 diabetes. IP Status: U.S. Patent Issued #7,994,279

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