Research Focus
The Kent Lab investigates how the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and how that process might be prevented or reversed.We are interested in the autoimmune response in human T1D, in particular, T cell responses in the periphery, the spleen and pancreatic lymph nodes, and islet-infiltrating lymphocytes from people with T1D, at-risk for T1D, and from controls.
Our laboratory identified that there is a broad repertoire of autoreactive T cells that infiltrate the islets in humans with T1D, including newly described modified targets. This research uncovered new information on how the autoreactive T cells target the beta cells in islets, and will contribute to the design of therapies for people living with T1D.
Dr. Kent receives nPOD Pioneer Award
Dr. Kent was recognized by the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD) with the 2018 Pioneer Award for her “continued dedication to create a world free of Type 1 Diabetes.” Learn More
Isolating immune cells from the islets of T1D donors
In a highly collaborative effort, scientists at UMass Chan Medical School isolated and characterized a large bank of live islet-infiltrating T cells directly from the islets of tissue donors with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The findings, published in Nature Medicine, could have direct implications for designing therapies and preventative strategies for people with T1D and those at risk for developing it. Learn More
