Influenza virus and Type 1 diabetes

摘要

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells, resulting in insulin deficiency. The usual cause of this beta cell loss is autoimmune destruction. The inventors provide the first evidence of a causal link between influenza virus infection and the development of type 1 diabetes and/or pancreatitis. This causal link between infection and type 1 diabetes and/or pancreatitis provides various therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic opportunities.