Anti‐α/β T cell receptor monoclonal antibody provides an efficient therapy for autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice

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Abstract
The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse is a relevant model for studying human insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The selective destruction of insulin‐secreting cells in this model is subsequent to an autoimmune reaction directed towards the β cells inside the islets of L angerhans of the pancreas. Given the key role played by T cells in the development of IDDM, we investigated a model of IDDM prevention in NOD mice by administration of a monoclonal antibody to the α/β dimer of the T cell receptor for antigen. Our data provide evidence that aiming at the T cell receptor protects against both spontaneous and cyclophosphamide‐induced diabetes in the NOD mouse. Interestingly, potencial clinical application is suggested by the efficient and durable reversal of recent onset diabetes in mice treated with anti‐α/β monoclonal antibody within 1 week following the clinical discovery of IDDM.