Indian Scientists Develop New Treatments For Type I and Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus

New Delhi: Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati have made a significant breakthrough in potential treatments for type I and autoimmune diabetes mellitus. The team discovered that a protein called IL-35, which is composed of the IL-12 alpha and IL-27 beta chains, may help in managing these forms of diabetes by regulating immune responses that lead to the disease. This protein, encoded by the IL12A and EBI3 genes, plays a protective role in the immune system by lowering specific immune cells that trigger inflammatory chemicals, ultimately reducing pancreatic cell infiltration—a key factor in the onset of type 1 and autoimmune diabetes.

The IASST researchers, led by Associate Professor Dr. Asis Bala, conducted a network pharmacological analysis to explore IL-35-related genes, gene-disease interactions, and immune-inflammatory processes associated with autoimmune disorders. Their findings identified five key genes linked to immune-inflammatory, autoimmune, neoplastic, and endocrine conditions, revealing IL-35’s potential in preventing immune system attacks on pancreatic beta cells, which are critical for insulin production.

In a statement, the team explained that IL-35 plays an essential role in regulating macrophage activation, T-cell proteins, and regulatory B cells, effectively preventing the immune system from mistakenly attacking pancreatic cells. This mechanism could present a groundbreaking approach to managing diabetes, particularly in developing countries, where children and adolescents are increasingly affected by the disease.

The results of the IASST study have been published in the journals CYTOKINE and World Journal of Diabetes, underscoring IL-35's promise in controlling immune responses associated with type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes. “This protein offers a novel diabetes treatment option,” said the researchers, who advocate further investigation into IL-35-based therapeutics to bring these findings closer to clinical application.

With the global incidence of diabetes on the rise, particularly in younger populations, these findings could represent a significant advancement in diabetes treatment. However, the IASST team emphasized the importance of additional research to fully understand IL-35’s mechanisms and to advance IL-35-based treatments through clinical trials. This research provides a hopeful outlook for a more targeted and effective approach to diabetes management, potentially reducing the disease’s burden on vulnerable populations.