fig1

Figure 1. Pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. In a genetically predisposed individual, a sudden trigger results in beta cell dysfunction or aberrant activation of the immune system, as depicted by the upper blue arrows. This eventually results in the destruction of the beta cells. Beta cell dysfunction can also trigger a (healthy) immune response to clear the dysfunctional beta cells (depicted by double-headed arrows). In a similar way, beta cell destruction by the immune system will cause stress on the remaining beta cells, resulting in further beta cell apoptosis. APC: Antigen-presenting cell; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; GAD: glutamic acid decarboxylase; IA2: islet-antigen 2; Treg: regulatory T cell; ZnT8: zinc-transporter 8.