Autoantibodies in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive destruction of pancreatic β cells. This process is mediated by both cellular (T lymphocyte) and humoral (autoantibody) immune responses. Although T cells play a central pathogenic role, autoantibodies are the earliest detectable markers of β cell autoimmunity and are instrumental in diagnosing and predicting disease progression. Although T1D develops on a background of genetic risk, most individuals with genetic risk never develop type 1 diabetes. In contrast, virtually all individuals with 2 or more islet autoantibodies eventually develop type 1 diabetes.