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Purpose of the Workshop:
Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease that is affected by a wide spectrum of inflammatory reactions. Whereas chronic and destructive inflammation of the pancreatic islets (insulitis) is a defining causal feature of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), low-grade systemic inflammation and activation of innate immunity contribute to the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent evidence suggests, however, that systemic inflammation and insulin resistance also may contribute to T1D, and the reduced β-cell mass observed in T2D may in part be due to insulitis and enhanced apoptosis. The composition and texture of these innate and adaptive immune responses and the interface with metabolic disturbances determine the inflammatory phenotype observed in the diabetes syndromes. With the aim of guiding the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases on the state of the art and perspectives within this area of research, the purpose of this workshop is to invite relevant investigators to discuss:
- The reciprocal regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting a possibly significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
- Insulin resistance and chronic activation of the Innate Immune System in T2D and T1D, and the contribution to the metabolic derangement that is common to both diseases.
- Convergence of the inflammatory and autoimmune processes on the function and survival of the β-cell, and the differences and commonalities between T1D and T2D.
- Lessons learned from the investigation of other chronic autoimmune/inflammatory disorders, with an emphasis on how this information might help investigators to understand diabetes pathogenesis and potential treatments.
Co-chairs:
Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen, MD., Ph.D.
Steno Diabetes Center
Diane Mathis, Ph.D., M.Sc.
The Harvard Stem Cell Institute
Jerry Palmer, M.D.
University of Washington
Steven Shoelson, M.D., Ph.D.
Joslin Diabetes Center
For more information, please contact:
NIDDK Meeting Contact:
Guillermo Arreaza-Rubín, M.D.
Telephone: (301) 594-4724
Email: arreazag@mail.nih.gov
Meeting Logistics Coordinator:
Mary Compton
Telephone: (301) 670-4990
Email: mcompton@scgcorp.com
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