Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. The investigators have discovered the specific autoimmune cells responsible for destroying the insulin-producing cells in an animal model of type 1 diabetes, and the means of destroying those cells.
The investigators are now aiming to use a similar strategy (vaccination with BCG, the vaccine used world-wide to protect against tuberculosis) in human type 1 diabetes to see if the abnormal immune cells can be depleted. This is the first step in trying to cure established type 1 diabetes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
25
Diabetes Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
concentration of autoreactive t-cells
Time frame: Measured weekly in first 8 weeks, then every other week for weeks 8-12
Concentration of TNF, TNF-receptors, other cytokines, and c-peptide levels
Time frame: Weekly for first 8 weeks, then every other week for weeks 8-12
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