The results of in vitro and in vivo studies carried out by researchers at the University of Oregon (UO) and at the University of Utah suggest a potential mechanism by which a microbiome-derived protein, BefA, can reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The scientists claim their findings have “important, profound implications,” that could lead to the development of new approaches to prevent diabetes, by harnessing specific types of bacteria that produce BefA, potentially to bolster the microbiomes of high-risk infants.
