Friend or foe: New cytokine players in beta cell failure in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Cytokines play a crucial role in autoimmune-mediated loss of pancreatic beta cells during type 1 diabetes (T1DM) development. The main diabetogenic cytokines IL-1β, TNFα and IFNγ, which were found to be profoundly upregulated in serum of T1DM-patients, are known for their deleterious effects on beta cells. Recent advances in detection methods have demonstrated fluctuations of several other cytokines in serum of T1DM. The present review aims to provide a fresh and extensive overview of the old and new cytokine players and their contribution in beta cell fate. We will discuss the involvement of several interleukins, interferons and tumor necrosis factor to beta cell destruction, which raises a need for re-evaluation of the cytokine-toxicity model for in vitro studies of beta cell protective strategies. Finally, we will present new therapeutic perspectives based on the growing knowledge of new cytokines regulating beta cell survival. • Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease leading to beta cell loss. • Cytokines are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. • Description of differential action of various cytokines • Summary of new cytokines involved in beta cell fate • Novel cytokine-focused therapeutic approaches for type 1 diabetes?