Understanding the role of IgA-mediated mucosal immunity in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes

STUDENT: Yashvi Patel

ADI SUPERVISOR: Sue Tsai

AWARD: $6,000

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell attack on insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. IgA deficiency is linked to increased susceptibility of developing T1D. Our project aims to understand the mechanistic link betweenIgA-mediated mucosal immunity using an IgA-deficient non-obese-diabetic (NOD) mouse model. Weekly monitoring of abnormal urine glucose will be done to determine when the mice become diabetic. We will use flow cytometry-based immunological assays to mark and count beta-cell-specific lymphocytes in both groups to see what effect IgA deficiency has on autoreactive T cell populations. Mucosal immune responses will also be tracked. Fecal samples will be tested to see if IgA deficiency affects gut microbiota. We expect to gain new insights into how IgA deficiency impacts autoimmune attack of pancreatic beta cells. We anticipate that IgA deficiency may do so through impairing gut homeostasis, mucus barrier function, and disturbing the microbiota of the gut.