Objective
1. Unbiased characterization of autoantigens involved in human T1D.
2. Identification of potential biomarkers for T1D diagnosis.
Background Rationale
T1D is an autoimmune disease mediated by T cells recognizing islet-derived antigens. Therefore, a better understanding of this disease, how it occures and how it can be controlled, requires examination of the islet antignens.
Description of Project
This project seeks to identify the antigens and biomarkers involved in type 1 diabetes. The antigens are recognized by T cells that migrate to the islets and kill the beta cells. Knowing the antignens will help developing immunotherapies targeting the T cells. Biomarkers are molecules that can be easily assessed to predict the onset of T1D. We seek to uncover novel moleucles that imporve the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Anticipated Outcome
We anticipate that a set of autoantigens uniquely associated with T1D will be identified by this study. Meanwhile, biomarkers with diagnostic values may aslo be revealed.
Relevance to T1D
This project directly examines materials from T1D subjects. The outcomes concerns the development of pernoalized immunotherapies and diagnostic approaches in T1D.