How the body protects itself from type 2 diabetes

A specific group of white blood cells, termed "regulatory T cells", keeps the immune system in balance and suppresses its activity to protect the body against autoimmune diseases. Scientists at the DZNE and the University of Bonn have now discovered a new mechanism by which regulatory T cells inhibit inflammation specifically in adipose tissue. This mechanism plays an important role in protecting against type 2 diabetes, as an overactive immune system in adipose tissue can promote insulin resistance and thus contribute to this metabolic disease. The study is now published in the journal “Immunity”.