THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS IN PREVENTING AMYLIN AGGREGATION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

摘要

The present invention concerns methods and compositions related to increasing heat shock protein (HSP) levels in pancreatic B cells to reduce amylin aggregation in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. In specific cases, gold nanoparticles are provided to pancreatic B cells with the nanoparticles either harboring or lacking one or more HSPs, and the cells are then heated, such as with near infrared light, for example. In particular targeting cases, antibodies to a pancreatic B cell- specific antigen are also employed.