Ciclosporin Followed by Low-dose IL-2 in Patients With Recently Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by the destruction of insulin-producing cells by effector T cells (Teffs), due to a deficiency of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Ciclosporin effectively blocks the Teffs and controls diabetes, but cannot be considered as a long-term treatment. Low-dose interleukin-2 (ld IL-2) activates and expands Tregs in humans. Hence, Ld IL-2 in patients in whom the autoimmune process was blocked early by a short treatment (2 months) of cyclosporine should restore immune homeostasis and maintain some insulin production over the long term.