Current interventions for arresting autoimmune diabetes have yet to strike the balance between sufficient efficacy, minimal side effects, and lack of generalized immunosuppression. Introduction of antigen via the gut represents an appealing method for induction of antigen-specific tolerance. Here, we developed a strategy for tolerance restoration using mucosal delivery in mice of biologically contained Lactococcus lactis genetically modified to secrete the whole proinsulin autoantigen along with the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10. We show that combination therapy with low-dose systemic anti-CD3 stably reverted diabetes in NOD mice and increased frequencies of local Tregs, which not only accumulated in the pancreatic islets, but also suppressed immune response in an autoantigen-specific way. Cured mice remained responsive to disease-unrelated antigens, which argues against excessive immunosuppression. Application of this therapeutic tool achieved gut mucosal delivery of a diabetes-relevant autoantigen and a biologically active immunomodulatory cytokine, IL-10, and, when combined with a low dose of systemic anti-CD3, was well tolerated and induced autoantigen-specific long-term tolerance, allowing reversal of established autoimmune diabetes. Therefore, we believe this method could be an effective treatment strategy for type 1 diabetes in humans.
Tatiana Takiishi, Hannelie Korf, Tom L. Van Belle, Sofie Robert, Fabio A. Grieco, Silvia Caluwaerts, Letizia Galleri, Isabella Spagnuolo, Lothar Steidler, Karolien Van Huynegem, Pieter Demetter, Clive Wasserfall, Mark A. Atkinson, Francesco Dotta, Pieter Rottiers, Conny Gysemans, Chantal Mathieu
Usage data is cumulative from August 2023 through August 2024.
Usage | JCI | PMC |
---|---|---|
Text version | 1,569 | 213 |
200 | 65 | |
Figure | 269 | 2 |
Supplemental data | 111 | 21 |
Citation downloads | 58 | 0 |
Totals | 2,207 | 301 |
Total Views | 2,508 |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.