Diabetic complications and prospective immunotherapy

Front Immunol. 2023 Jul 7:14:1219598. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219598. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

The incidence of Diabetes Mellitus is increasing globally. Individuals who have been burdened with diabetes for many years often develop complications as a result of hyperglycemia. More and more research is being conducted highlighting inflammation as an important factor in disease progression. In all kinds of diabetes, hyperglycemia leads to activation of alternative glucose metabolic pathways, resulting in problematic by-products including reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end products. This review takes a look into the pathogenesis of three specific diabetic complications; retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy as well as their current treatment options. By considering recent research papers investigating the effects of immunotherapy on relevant conditions in animal models, multiple strategies are suggested for future treatment and prevention of diabetic complications with an emphasis on molecular targets associated with the inflammation.

Keywords: diabetes complications; diabetes mellitus; immunotherapy; inflammation; regulatory B (Breg) cells; regulatory T (Treg) cells; type 1 diabetes (T1D); type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Complications*
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Hyperglycemia*
  • Immunotherapy
  • Inflammation
  • Prospective Studies

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Swedish Research Council (2018-06563), the Swedish Diabetes Foundation, ExoDiab, Barndiabetesfonden, O.E. och Edla Johanssons, Sederholms fund, Magnus Bergvalls Stiftelse, the Ernfors Fund, Nils Erik Holmstens and SEB-Diabetesfonden. KS was supported from Swedish Research Council (2018-06563), Olga Jonsson and EFIS-IL fellowship.