methods for preventing or delaying the onset and for preventing the progression of latent autoimmune diabetes, methods for treating latent autoimmune diabetes in adults and for treating or preventing type 1 diabetes in adulthood or for ameliorating its symptoms in a patient suffering from same, and method for preventing or delaying insulin requirement in a patient.
The present invention provides methods of treating, preventing or ameliorating the symptoms of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) and adult-onset type 1 diabetes through the use of anti-human CD3 antibodies. In particular, in invention provides methods of preventing or delaying insulin requirement in patients diagnosed with LADA. The methods of the invention provide for administration of antibodies that specifically bind the epsilon subunit within the human CD3 complex. Such antibodies modulate the T cell receptor/alloantigen interaction and, thus, regulate the T cell mediated cytotoxicity associated with autoimmune disorders. Additionally, the invention provides for modification of the anti-human CD3 antibodies such that they exhibit reduced or eliminated effector function and T cell activation as compared to non-modified anti-human CD3 antibodies.
