Insulin-dependent diabetes: a possible viral disease.

The available information regarding the possible relevance of viruses in the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes is reviewed. Experimental studies in animals, clinical cases, histopathologic findings as well as epidemiologic and family studies provide circumstantial evidence that at least some cases of the disease are triggered by infection. Moreover, since it is widely accepted that autoimmunity plays a key role in diabetogenesis, the possible relationship between viruses and the induction of autoimmune responses to pancreatic islets is discussed. In view of recent developments in our comprehension of several chronic "idiopathic" diseases, the role of persistent viral infections and virus-induced immunopathology deserve further consideration in the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes.