PhD Defence Lei Ding

June 27, 2014
We warmly congratulate Lei Ding on the successful defense of the PhD thesis entitled “Therapies in Type 1 Diabetes: Studying the Interaction Between the Beta-Cell and the Immune System Using Preclinical Models.” The work was carried out under the guidance of Chantal Mathieu (promoter), Lut Overbergh (co-promoter), and Conny Gysemans (co-promoter). The examination committee was chaired by Jan Tack (TARGID, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium), with Adrian Liston (Autoimmune Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium) serving as secretary, and included Frank Waldron-Lynch (University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK), Mark Van de Casteele (Diabetes Pathology & Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium), and Frans Schuit (Gene Expression Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium). This research provides valuable insights into the interactions between beta cells and the immune system in type 1 diabetes and informs the development of novel therapeutic strategies. We celebrate this achievement and wish Dr. Ding continued success in their scientific career.
Share this post

PhD Research Summary - Dr. Ding

Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β cells, leading to lifelong insulin dependence and associated complications. This PhD project investigated combination therapies aimed at preserving β-cell function and supporting long-term glycemic control.

The work demonstrated that a short course of low-dose anti-CD3 antibodies followed by the DPP-4 inhibitor MK626 induced durable diabetes remission in new-onset diabetic NOD mice by restoring β-cell function, resolving insulitis, and repairing islet vasculature.

Additionally, the study evaluated commonly used immunosuppressants in islet transplantation, showing that tacrolimus best preserved duct cell angiogenic, proliferative, and reprogramming potential while effectively reducing inflammatory cytokine expression.

These findings provide important preclinical insights for future clinical trials, highlighting the value of combination therapies that both modulate the immune response and support β-cell health to improve type 1 diabetes treatment outcomes.

More information can be found via the link.

Support us

Choose to make a direct impact by contributing to a specific research project or by supporting the overarching goals of the Hippo & Friends Type 1 Diabetes Fund. 

By donating today, you enable early-career scientists to pursue groundbreaking research aimed at preventing and curing type 1 diabetes.
Every contribution moves us one step closer to breakthroughs that matter.

I want to make a direct donationI want to support Hippo & Friends