Protecting the guardians

(Harvard Medical School) A guardian gene that protects against type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases exerts its pancreas-shielding effects by altering the gut microbiota.Experiments in mice born with the protective gene show that exposure to antibiotics during critical windows of development fuels risk for type 1 diabetes and leads to loss of genetic protection by altering the gut microbiota.Scientists say the findings underscore the importance of avoiding antibiotic use during late preg...