Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have discovered a previously unknown way in which immune cells inside the pancreas can interfere with insulin release. The findings could open new research directions for understanding type 2 diabetes and protecting insulin-producing cells.
How Immune Cells Affect Insulin
The research found that immune cells called macrophages can communicate with insulin-producing beta cells and reduce their ability to release insulin within minutes.
Fat Molecules Identified as Messengers
Scientists identified molecules called sphingolipids as important messengers in this process. The team also identified a receptor called GPR18 that plays a role in activating this communication pathway.
New Possibilities for Diabetes Research
The study also examined human pancreatic tissue and found evidence of the same pathway.
Researchers believe that understanding this mechanism could help develop future approaches to protecting insulin production. However, this discovery is not yet an available diabetes treatment or cure.
