{
  "id": 6456546,
  "title": "Preclinical antibody approach aims to treat type 1 diabetes at its immune source",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/preclinical-antibody-approach-aims-to-treat-type-1-diabetes-at-its",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-09T18:40:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-preclinical-antibody-approach-aims-diabetes.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A groundbreaking preclinical study at Johns Hopkins University is exploring the potential of a novel antibody derived from a newly discovered immune cell, known as the \"X cell,\" to treat type 1 diabetes. The X cell, which has characteristics of both B and T cells, plays a crucial role in the immune system's response to the autoimmune attack on insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The researchers, led by principal investigator Abdel-Rahim A. Hamad, have developed an antibody known as x-mAb, which targets and eliminates the 2% of islet-reactive T cells responsible for destroying beta cells. This approach not only addresses the immediate autoimmune response but also aims to restore the immune system's functionality, potentially reversing type 1 diabetes in its early stages. Unlike current treatments that solely manage blood sugar levels through insulin replacement, this therapy targets the root cause of the disease by preserving the insulin-producing cells and allowing patients to maintain better blood sugar control. Animal studies have shown promising results, indicating that x-mAb can prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes and preserve the function of insulin-producing cells. However, translating these findings into a human therapy requires further preclinical and clinical validation. The ultimate goal is to provide a curative treatment for type 1 diabetes, eliminating the need for lifelong insulin supplementation and reducing the risk of complications such as kidney damage, vision loss, and cardiovascular disease.",
  "summary": "Seven years ago, Johns Hopkins researchers and their collaborators announced they had found the X cell, a novel immune cell that plays a key role in the development of type 1 diabetes.",
  "key_points": [
    "Johns Hopkins researchers develop antibody x-mAb targeting islet-reactive T cells",
    "x-mAb aims to eliminate autoimmune response and restore immune functionality",
    "Animal studies show x-mAb can prevent type 1 diabetes onset and preserve insulin-producing cells"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}