Tracking the role of T-cells in type 1 diabetes

Research

21 Jun 2017


Can you describe the aim of this research in 10 words?

To develop antigen-specific therapy for T1D by identifying the targets of the pathogenic autoimmune response.

What have you discovered in this area so far?

A few years ago we pioneered techniques to isolate and study the immune cells that infiltrate the pancreatic islets of people with type 1 diabetes. We found that islet infiltrating T cells from an organ donor who had T1D for three years recognised proinsulin, insulin’s precursor.

What aspect of this research excites you the most?

Personally, I’m excited by the possibility of dissecting how the immune system works, or doesn’t work properly, in the case of autoimmune diseases and using this information to develop new therapies for currently incurable diseases.

What’s fascinating about T cells?

I’m always amazed that these simple cells control the adaptive immune response. Distinguishing between ‘self’ and ‘non-self’, including all the shades of grey in between, is quite a feat for a cell.

What’s your Holy Grail – the one thing you’d like to achieve in your research career?

My dream is that I’ll live to see people refusing to take a ‘vaccine’ to prevent T1D, like some people refuse to take vaccines to protect themselves, or their children, from infectious diseases. When that happens I’ll know we really have beaten T1D!

How long before your work impacts patient care?

I don’t know. We’re working hard, but it is impossible to predict how long it will take.

What is your biggest research hurdle?

Getting access to peripheral blood samples from people with and without T1D.

Who has inspired you?

My father inspired me to do research. He never stopped answering my questions about how the world worked and taught me there are many layers of knowledge and understanding below what we see every day.

If you could only keep three possessions…?

…I couldn’t live without books, food and my bicycle.

Can you nominate a book that influenced you?

Any book by Matt Ridley – especially The Origins of Virtue. It gives me hope that our species is capable of cooperating and living together harmoniously.

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