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Context

Researchers have identified a specific protein called IL-35, which can help treat Type 1 and autoimmune diabetes by protecting the immune system.

Read about types of diabetes: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/diabetes

Growing Diabetes Concerns

Diabetes has become a global health issue, affecting millions of people, particularly in developing countries. Children and adolescents are disproportionately impacted, highlighting the urgent need for new and effective treatments.

Read about burden of diabetes on Indian population: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/diabetes

About IL-35 Protein

IL-35 reduces the activity of certain immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals, which in turn lessens damage to pancreatic cells. This finding opens the door to a novel therapy for diabetes. The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, has led extensive research into IL-35.

 IASST was set up in 1979 by the Assam Science Society with the prime objective of setting up a premier research establishment in the NE region to deal with problems of the north east in particular and the country in general.

The IASST was registered as a separate entity in 1991 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. The Institute was later shifted to its present location near "Deepar beel", a natural lake in western side of Guwahati, in June 2004.

The Institute has been recently taken over as an autonomous research Institute by the Government of India under the Department of Science and Technology.

IASST has four basic divisions: Material Sciences, Life Sciences, Resource Management and Environmental Sciences, Mathematical Sciences.

Discovery and Composition

IL-35 is a unique protein made up of two parts: IL-12α and IL-27β chains, encoded by the IL12A and EBI3 genes. Researchers are particularly interested in IL-35’s potential to serve as a novel therapy for Type 1 and autoimmune diabetes, due to its specific immune-regulating properties.

How IL-35 Works Against Diabetes

IL-35 helps in regulating immune cells, which plays a protective role in diabetes:

• It controls macrophage activation, which is essential in fighting infections but can harm pancreatic cells in diabetes.
• It manages T-cell proteinsand regulatory B cells that affect the immune response.
• IL-35 also prevents certain immune cells from attacking pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin, thereby lowering inflammation and protecting these cells.

Trivia

Macrophage is a type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.

T cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. They help your immune system fight germs and protect you from disease. There are two main types. Cytotoxic T cells destroy infected cells. Helper T cells send signals that direct other immune cells to fight infection.

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) is a term that encompasses all B cells that act to suppress immune responses. Bregs contribute to the maintenance of tolerance, limiting ongoing immune responses and reestablishing immune homeostasis.

Beta cells (β-cells) are specialized endocrine cells located within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans responsible for the production and release of insulin and amylin.

Sources:

NDTV