Abstract: Described are antibodies that specifically recognize and bind the epitope of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) that is bound by antibody b96.11, and anti-idiotypic antibodies that are capable of competing with GAD65 for binding with b96.11 and competitively inhibit such binding. These antibodies can be provided in the form of a pharmaceutical composition and can be used in methods for delaying the onset of Type 1 diabetes and for inhibiting insulitis and other diabetic symptoms. Also provided are methods for detecting a susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes in a subject and for detecting the presence of anti-idiotypic antibodies to GAD65. The method comprises contacting a specimen with an antibody of the invention. The method further comprises detecting binding of the molecule to the specimen. The absence (or relative absence) of binding is indicative of susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes and of the absence of anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule is disclosed, including a nucleotide sequence selected from the nucleotide sequence of (a) Ljungan virus 87-012, (b) Ljungan virus 145SL, (c) Ljungan virus 174F, and (d) a fragment of nucleotide sequences (a)-(c). Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by the isolated nucleic acid, which are useful in preparing vaccines and antibodies to prevent or inhibit conditions caused by Ljungan virus, including diabetes.

Abstract: Described are antibodies that specifically recognize and bind the epitope of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) that is bound by antibody b96 11, and anti-idiotypic antibodies that are capable of competing with GAD65 for binding with b96.11 and competitively inhibit such binding. These antibodies can be provided in the form of a pharmaceutical composition and can be used in methods for delaying the onset of Type 1 diabetes and for inhibiting insulitis and other diabetic symptoms. Also provided are methods for detecting a susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes in a subject and for detecting the presence of anti-idiotypic antibodies to GAD65. The method comprises contacting a specimen with an antibody of the invention. The method further comprises detecting binding of the molecule of the specimen. The absence (or relative absence) of binding is indicative of susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes and of the absence of anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal model for diabetes and a method for obtaining said animal model. The invention also relates to the uses of the animal model for screening for or testing compounds for treating or preventing diabetes symptoms. The invention further relates to an assay for determining an individual's susceptibility to developing diabetes. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules isolated from Ljungan virus and to polypeptides encoded by any portion of said nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: GAD65 mutants which lack a C-terminal conformational epitope are disclosed. The GAD65 mutants can be used in diagnostic methods for detecting the presence of or risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Also disclosed are compositions relating to the Ian5 gene, including Ian5 polynucleotides, Ian5 polypeptides and antibodies thereto, and expression vectors, recombinant cells comprising the Ian5 polynucleotides, and genetically modified animal models. In particular, the compositions include those relating to truncated mutant Ian5 polypeptides lacking a significant portion of the C-terminus. Mutations in the Ian5 gene locus that result in a truncated Ian5 protein are associated with lymphopenia and type 1 diabetes in mammals. The compositions are useful, for example, in methods of screening for agonists or antagonists of Ian5 pathways, such as to identify candidate agents for diabetes drug development, or for developing gene therapy for type 1 diabetes or a related disorder.

Abstract: A modified GAD especially characterized by a substantially preserved immunogenicity in connection with diabetes compared with a non-modified GAD and a reduced or non-existent effectivity in connection with a GABA-synthesis. The invention relates also to a method for manufacturing a modified GAD, a method for supplying a modified GAD, nucleotide sequence encoding the modified GAD, a vector containing the nucleic acid sequence, a host, a pharmaceutical composition comprising modified GAD and use thereof for treating and/or preventing autoimmune disorders such as IDDM.

Abstract: Human pancreatic islet cell glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), an autoantigen involved in the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), has been cloned, sequenced and expressed by recombinant means. Recombinant human islet cell GAD polypeptides and antibodies specific to the GAD polypeptides can be used in methods of diagnosis and treatment, including use in immunoadsorptive therapy and the induction of immune tolerance.

Abstract: Human pancreatic islet cell glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), an autoantigen involved in the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), has been cloned, sequenced and expressed by recombinant means. Recombinant human islet cell GAD polypeptides and antibodies specific to the GAD polypeptides can be used in methods of diagnosis and treatment, including use in immunoadsorptive therapy and the induction of immune tolerance.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the clinical course of diabetes in patients diagnosed as having NIDDM are provided. Patients having NIDDM are tested for the presence of autoantibodies to human islet cell glutamic acid decarboxylase. Based on the presence or absence of autoantibodies, the patients are classified as to the predicted course of the disease. These methods can be used to predict the development of IDDM and to guide therapeutic intervention.