Evaluating the effect of low-dose IL-2 on remaining insulin-production in newly diagnosed people with type 1 diabetes (Hospital de Paris).

In recent years, it has been found that Interleukin-2 (IL-2), which is normally produced by white blood cells, can provide a very small number of beneficial and protective immune cells (T cells). This discovery has instigated several studies on how to apply this in autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.

 

It appears that ultra-low doses of IL-2 can be used safely in adults with type 1 diabetes and also seems to protect beta-cells at the start of the disease. A European study called Diabil-2 is examining the effectiveness of IL-2 in children and adults compared with a placebo. Treatment must start within 2 to 3 months after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. The results will soon be published.