Figure 1.

Interplay between genetics, environment, and gut microbiota in T1DM pathogenesis. Specific HLA allele can increase susceptibility to the development of type 1 diabetes and influence the composition of the gut microbiota. Many environmental factors can also shape the gut microbiota. Abnormalities in the gut microbiome are believed to favor autoimmunity against pancreatic b-cells by modulating the gut immune/inflammatory response and by enhancing the gut barrier permeability both directly and indirectly through reduced production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).