SHOTS of a protein that subdues the immune system have halted the progression
of juvenile diabetes in 18 people. In theory, the protein could even prevent the
disease from developing in the first place.
Juvenile or type I diabetes is caused when the immune system attacks
insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The protein DiaPep277, created by
biotech company Peptor of Israel, triggers regulatory immune cells to release
cytokines that inhibit this “friendly fire”, preventing more damage.
For those who still have some insulin-producing cells, this could prevent
them having to inject more and more insulin as the disease develops, says…
