Suppressive effect of antibodies to immune response gene products on the development of low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice serves as a model of type I diabetes. Suppression of the development of diabetes (hyperglycemia) in C3H/He mice was achieved with in vivo administration of antibody reactive to Ir-gene products before streptozotocin treatment. A persistent effect was reached with two monoclonal antibodies directed against I-Ak gene products and, surprisingly, by an allo-antiserum to I-J determinants. These results suggest a role for I-A and I-J positive T-lymphocytes and/or macrophages in B-islet cell autoimmunity.