Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been defined as an autoimmune disease characterised by immune-mediated destruction of the pancreatic β cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia. Current research has increasingly focused on immunotherapy based on immunosuppression and regulation to rescue T-cell-mediated β-cell destruction. Although T1DM immunotherapeutic drugs are constantly under clinical and preclinical development, several key challenges remain, including low response rates and difficulty in maintaining therapeutic effects. Advanced drug delivery strategies can effectively harness immunotherapies and improve their potency while reducing their adverse effects. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanisms of T1DM immunotherapy and focus on the current research status of the integration of the delivery techniques in T1DM immunotherapy. Furthermore, we critically analyse the challenges and future directions of T1DM immunotherapy.