Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus as an autoimmune disease.

In this review we have summarized several lines of evidence supporting the concept that insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease. Initially, we have considered the association of IDDM with other autoimmune diseases, a fact that indirectly suggests involvement of the immune system. Other evidence implicating the immune system is the presence of auto-antibodies directed against pancreatic islet cells and cellular components of the immune system associated with pancreatic insulitis. Finally, we have examined the reported association of cell-surface proteins named histocompatibility antigens (HLA) with this particular disease. Structural and functional aspects of HLA have been considered along with regulatory mechanisms concerning the expression of these antigens.