Autoimmunity and β Cell Regeneration in Mouse and Human Type 1 Diabetes

:  Accumulating data from animal models of type 1 diabetes and some findings from clinical studies suggest that autoimmune destruction of islet β cells is associated with enhanced β cell regeneration. Successful immune therapies, aimed at preservation of islet cell mass, result in a remarkable reduction of β cell regeneration. Treated or not, as long as the task of treatment is limited by “making peace” with autoimmunity, the process of β cell loss continues. Additional therapeutic modalities capable of stimulating β cell regeneration in the absence of active autoimmune destruction are urgently needed.