Our goal is to mechanistically understand the role of IP-10 (interferon-induced protein of 10kDa, CXCL10) and its receptor CXCR3 in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and islet allograft rejection. Based on this insight we wish to analyze the therapeutic potential of IP-10 blockade in experimental models of induced and spontaneous autoimmune diabetes (RIP-LCMV and NOD mice) and islet transplantation. We believe that this focused analysis will unravel novel interventive avenues to prevent destruction of insulin producing beta-cells and restore long-term tolerance to islets. Encouraging preliminary data demonstrate a profound amelioration of virally induced T1D in RIPLCMV mice after systemic IP-10 blockade. Importantly, this clinically beneficial effect was obtained without any detectable side effects. An intriguing observation is that IP-10 blockade appears to predominantly affect migration/attraction of aggressive T lymphocytes into the islets rather than overall reduction of immune responsiveness. Thus, we hypothesize that IP-10 is a unique immunological target in that its blockade will selectively affect lymphocyte accumulation in the islets of Langerhans. Indeed, in vivo administration of antibodies against other chemokines did not have a similarly profound effect.
Aim 1 : Importance of IP-10 in the pathogenesis of T1D - therapeutic blockade and mechanistic analyses.
Aim 2 : Importance of IP-10 during islet allograft rejection - therapeutic blockade and mechanistic analyses.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK066346-04
Application #
7151189
Study Section
Immunological Sciences Study Section (IMS)
Program Officer
Spain, Lisa M
Project Start
2004-03-05
Project End
2008-11-30
Budget Start
2006-12-01
Budget End
2007-11-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$296,042
Indirect Cost
Name
La Jolla Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
603880287
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
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Hintermann, Edith; Christen, Urs (2007) Viral infection--a cure for type 1 diabetes? Curr Med Chem 14:2048-52
Barral, Ana Maria; Thomas, Helen E; Ling, Eleanor M et al. (2006) SOCS-1 protects from virally-induced CD8 T cell mediated type 1 diabetes. J Autoimmun 27:166-73
Christen, Urs; von Herrath, Matthias G (2005) Infections and autoimmunity--good or bad? J Immunol 174:7481-6