Multiple low dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes as a model for studying autoimmune diabetes in humans.

The autoimmune response directed against pancreatic β cells is the most essential pathogenic process in type 1 diabetes (T1D) in humans. Spontaneous animal models of T1D greatly contribute to our understanding of the disease pathogenesis and therapeutic options. Amongst many disease models, a significant proportion of T1D research is performed on multiple low dose streptozotocin induced diabetes in experimental animals, in parallel. Here, we discuss advantages of this model for contemporary T1D research. Additionally, challenges and perspectives for further improvement of the model are presented.