Prevention or acceleration of type 1 diabetes by viruses

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells. Even though extensive scientific research has yielded important insights into the immune mechanisms involved in pancreatic beta-cell destruction, little is known about the events that trigger the autoimmune process. Recent epidemiological and experimental data suggest that environmental factors are involved in this process. In this review, we discuss the role of viruses as an environmental factor on the development of type 1 diabetes, and the immune mechanisms by which they can trigger or protect against this pathology.