Genetics of type 1A (immune mediated) diabetes.

Type 1A (immune mediated) diabetes is genetically heterogeneous with important examples for man and animal models with major mutations (autosomal recessive and X-linked recessive) identified as well as oligogenic/polygenic inheritance. For the most common forms of type 1A diabetes alleles of DQ and DR within the major histocompatibility complex are important determinants of disease and allow identification of high risk individuals at birth. Further understanding of both common and rare genetic determinants of type 1A diabetes will contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes and of autoimmunity.