Beta-cell pathology

The Zaldumbide lab is exploring the interplay between the immune system and the pancreatic beta cells in the immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. We aim at understanding the mechanisms underlying the generation of neo-epitopes (autoantigens) in pro-inflammatory and metabolic stress conditions, with a particular attention on the processes of transcription, translation and enzyme mediated-post-translational modifications. Our work has led to the innovative concept that beta cells may participate to their own demise in type 1 diabetes, in particular by generating translational errors recognized as non-self-products by the immune system. Over the years, our group has also acquired expertise in cell engineering and genetic modification of primary human cells with a specific focus on immune evasion strategies to develop “stealth” technology for gene and cell therapy applications.