Objective
The project will test nanoparticles that can “retrain” the immune system to stop attacking the body in autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. These nanoparticles turn certain immune cells (TFH cells) into disease-suppressing cells (TR1 cells) without harming normal immunity. The research investigates exactly how this transformation happens at the level of gene activity and chromatin structure. Understanding these mechanisms will help track the new cells in patients during future clinical trials and ensure the treatment is safe and effective.
Background Rationale
Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Current treatments often suppress the immune system broadly, which can leave patients vulnerable to infections. Scientists are developing a new approach using tiny particles called nanoparticles that can specifically retrain the immune system. These particles target certain immune cells and turn them into cells that calm the autoimmune attack without affecting normal immunity. Understanding exactly how these cells change at the genetic level will help researchers track and improve this therapy in patients.
Description of Project
A few years ago, we discovered a new class of drugs, based on the use of tiny particles about a billion
times smaller than a golf ball (a nanomedicine), that can treat diseases caused by mis-directed attacks
of our own organs (e.g., the pancreatic beta cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D)) by the white blood cells of our
immune system. These compounds are unique in that they can specifically treat immunologically
complex ‘autoimmune’ diseases, such as T1D, without impairing the normal function of the immune
system, which is to protect us against infections and cancer.
This new class of drugs function by re-programming a disease-promoting type of white blood cell into an
autoimmune disease-suppressing counterpart. This proposal seeks to map the genetic switches that
regulate this cell conversion process in autoimmune diabetes. This information will help develop tools to
accurately track the formation and persistence of these anti-diabetogenic white blood cells in treated
individuals.
Anticipated Outcome
This research aims to show that nanoparticles can safely retrain the immune system in people with autoimmune diseases, like type 1 diabetes, to stop attacking the body. The anticipated outcome is that the treatment will expand specialized immune cells that suppress the disease without affecting normal immunity. By understanding how these cells change and persist over time, scientists hope to develop reliable ways to track the treatment in patients and provide a foundation for larger clinical trials.
Relevance to T1D
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing lifelong dependence on insulin therapy. This research is relevant because the nanoparticles being studied can retrain the immune system to stop attacking these cells, potentially preventing or slowing the disease. If successful, this approach could reduce or eliminate the need for insulin and protect patients’ health without compromising their overall immunity.