Figure 4.

Potential utility of biomarkers arising from a better understanding of the T cell phenotype in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Surface markers and/or secreted products from CD4 T cells can potentially be used to gauge the risk of T1D development, in conjunction with established risk indicators. They may also be used to refine patient stratification, perhaps selecting groups that might be predicted to benefit from a particular immune intervention. Longitudinal studies may reveal whether particular markers can be used to stage the disease process. Phenotypical markers may also be of utility in assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, perhaps in combination with tetramer technology.