Solving this Problem

The type of lymphocyte that directs other white blood cells to do their specific jobs is called a T Helper cell. This cell, on its surface, has a gene known as CTLA-4, or Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4, is used by T Helper cells to transmit an inhibitory signal to other T lymphocytes, or a signal that is used to stop an immune reaction. It has been shown that CTLA-4 alterations have led to various autoimmune diseases, including insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). This vital gene can be manipulated to take care of an autoimmune reaction as well. (Picture of a CD86 protein on the right)

CTLA-4 binds to a protein located on antigen-presenting cells called CD86. My assumption is that the attacked beta cells do not show this protein, thus preventing the projection of the CTLA-4 gene. Without this gene, the T lymphocytes do not cease the attack, killing beta cells nonstop.

There is a possibility that I have come up with to solve this problem. A way can be found to manually activate the gene CTLA-4 causing the T cells to halt the attack. Moreover, a hormone can be inserted into the islets that stimulate a proliferation of CD86 throughout the pancreas. This will result in the binding of the T Helper cell with the gene CD86 and will result in the inhibitory signal being presented.