The proposed study tests the idea that an abnormal gut microbiota interacts with the immune system favoring the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The disease process leading to T1D has two phases: first the appearance of beta-cell autoimmunity and then progression to clinical disease. We will test our idea by following two groups of young children taking part in the Finnish Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) study. The first group addresses the role of the gut microbiota including the fecal metabolome and the immune system in the development of beta-cell autoimmunity, whereas the second group focuses on the impact of the gut microbiota and immune system on the progression from beta-cell autoimmunity to clinical T1D. The generated information will be used to develop novel and safe intervention measures to circumvent untoward interactions between the gut microbiota and the immune system and thereby facilitate prevention of beta-cell autoimmunity and overt T1D.

2022

2026