Enterovirus infections as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes

Objective

Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic disease mainly arising in children and young people. In Europe, its incidence is high and steadily increasing. The disease is caused by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Many studies have suggested that enterovirus infections can induce this process. Recently, substantial new evidence has been obtained further supporting their role. This study aims to confirm the link between enterovirus infections and Type 1diabetes in five EU countries and characterize the molecular determinants, which make these viruses diabetogenic. The final goal is to find out if Type 1 diabetes can be prevented by an enterovirus vaccine and provide information needed for the development of such vaccines.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-2. - Key action Control of Infectious Diseases

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE

Address

4,Medisiinarinkatu 3
33014 Tampere
Finland

Participants (6)

CENTRE HOSPITALIER RGIONAL ET UNIVERSITAIRE DE LILLE

France

Address

Place De Verdun 1
59037 Lille

KING'S COLLEGE LONDON

United Kingdom

Address

Lambeth Palace Road
SE1 7EH London

LINKOEPING UNIVERSITY

Sweden

Address

581 85 Linkoeping

NATIONAL AND KAPODISTRIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS

Greece

Address

Phidippidou Street 55
11527 Athens

QUEEN MARY AND WESTFIELD COLLEGE - UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

United Kingdom

Address

Whitechapel Rd
E1 2BB London

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX

United Kingdom

Address

Wivenhoe Park John Tabor Laboratories
CO4 3SQ Colchester