Closing the circle between the bedside and the bench: Toll-like receptors in models of virally induced diabetes.

Animal models provide many strategies to unravel the complex interplay of genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of type 1A (autoimmune) diabetes. Diabetes can be studied at multiple levels, and new technological advancements provide insights into the functioning of organelle and cellular structures. The role of innate immunity in the response to environmental pathogens has provided possible biochemical and molecular mechanisms which can explain certain clinical events in diabetes. These investigations may uncover new therapies and strategies to prevent type 1A diabetes.