Tang W, Liang H, Cheng Y, et al. - Since type 1 diabetes mellitus is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, however, the determination of the autoimmune status of type 1 diabetes mellitus relies on islet autoantibodies (Abs), as the T-cell assay is not routinely performed, researchers sought to examine the diagnostic value of combined assay of islet antigen-specific T cells and Abs in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, The sample consisted of 54 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 healthy controls. T-cell response positivity was significantly higher in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus than in controls. Enzyme-linked immunospot assays combined with Abs detection could improve the sensitivity of autoimmune diabetes diagnosis.