Immunity in concert: innate–adaptive cooperation in type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic B cells. While autoreactive T cells are key drivers of B-cell destruction, increasing evidence indicates that innate immune cells play pivotal roles in shaping and sustaining these adaptive responses. Dendritic cells, macrophages, and NK cells initiate inflammation within islets, present B-cell antigens, and produce cytokines that influence T cell activation and differentiation. Conversely, adaptive immune cells can modulate innate cell function, amplifying local immune activation. This bidirectional communication between innate and adaptive immunity is central to disease initiation and progression. Understanding the cooperative mechanisms that bridge these two arms of immunity offers new opportunities to restore immune tolerance and prevent B-cell loss in T1D.The goal of this Research Topic is to elucidate the cooperative mechanisms between innate and adaptive immunity that drive the initiation and progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although autoreactive T cells are the principal mediators of B-cell destruction, emerging evidence indicates that innate immune cells—such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and NK cells—play essential roles in shaping adaptive responses through antigen presentation, cytokine signaling, and inflammatory crosstalk. Despite significant progress, the precise molecular pathways coordinating this bidirectional communication remain poorly understood. Recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics, spatial imaging, and in vivo immune monitoring now enable a deeper exploration of these dynamic interactions within the islet microenvironment. By integrating these approaches, this Research Topic aims to define how innate–adaptive cooperation contributes to immune dysregulation in T1D and to identify novel molecular targets that could restore tolerance and prevent or halt B-cell loss. Topic editors: Jeong-su Do, Katarzyna Bulek Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79264/immunity-in-concert-innate-adaptive-cooperation-in-type-1-diabetes