Islet cell autoantibodies: pathobiology and clinical applications

Autoimmunity directed against pancreatic islet cells results in slowly progressing beta-cell destruction, culminating over years in clinically manifested insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Circulating serum autoantibodies directed against the endocrine cells of the islets of Langerhans are an important hallmark of this disease. Assays for these islet cell antibodies (ICA) have facilitated the investigation and understanding of several facets in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes. Their applications have begun to extend into clinical practice and have opened new avenues for early preclinical prediction and preventive prophylaxsis in IDDM.