Guwahati: Researchers have discovered a specific protein, IL-35, which protects the immune system by lowering particular immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals, thereby reducing pancreatic cell infiltration, a key contributor to type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes mellitus. This protein offers a novel treatment option for diabetes.
The global diabetes epidemic, which disproportionately affects children and adolescents in developing countries, calls for effective new treatments for the disease.
IL-35, composed of IL-12α and IL-27β chains and encoded by the IL12A and EBI3 genes, has piqued scientists’ interest as a potential basis for treating type 1 and autoimmune diabetes.
The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (Government of India), led by Dr. Asis Bala, Associate Professor, Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director, and Ratul Chakraborty, Research Scholar, conducted a network pharmacological analysis of IL-35-related genes, gene-disease associations, and a comprehensive experimental review. This analysis identified five disease-interacting genes linked to immune-inflammatory, autoimmune, neoplastic, and endocrine disorders.
IL-35 helps protect against type 1 and autoimmune diabetes by regulating macrophage activation, T-cell proteins, and regulatory B cells. It inhibited immune cells that attack pancreatic beta cells and reduced particular immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals, thereby lowering pancreatic cell infiltration, a significant factor in type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.
This recent study, published in Cytokine and World Journal of Diabetes, may provide biological researchers with insights for further investigation. Findings suggest that IL-35 protects the immune system, presenting a novel option for diabetes treatment. Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms and advance IL-35-based therapeutics into clinical trials.
BI Bureau
