17 Apr 2026
Yutong Li, a PhD student in the School of Science at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, has published a review article as first author in the international journal Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, with impact factor of 19.9, under the supervision of Professor Eyad Elkord. The article, entitled Targeting Tregs in T1DM: Bridging Heterogeneity, Mechanisms, and Clinical Progress, examines the heterogeneity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), their underlying mechanisms, and recent progress in related preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Li delivering an academic presentation at the 2025 doctoral seminar
Regulatory T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining immune tolerance and sustaining immunological homeostasis. In the review article, Li explains that alterations in the number, phenotype, and function of Tregs are closely associated with the onset and progression of T1DM. Although targeting Tregs has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy, the heterogeneity and mechanistic complexities of these cells continue to limit clinical success. The article therefore provides an overview of the dynamic alterations of Treg frequencies and phenotypes, the regulatory mechanisms underlying their dysfunction, and current advances in Treg-targeted approaches.
The article also highlights the importance of understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that drive Treg dysfunction, as well as the interactions between Tregs and other immune cells. According to the review, these insights could support the development of more targeted immunotherapeutic interventions for T1DM. It further discusses emerging directions in the field, including engineered antigen-specific Tregs, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated regulatory strategies, and biomarker applications, pointing to the growing potential of precision medicine.
Li performing FACS cell sorting in the lab
Following the publication of the review article, Li was invited to take part in the “Meet the First Authors” TrendsTalk series launched by Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. The series features the first authors of Review and Opinion articles published in each monthly issue, offering them a platform to share their scientific journeys, current roles, perspectives on challenges in their fields, and thoughts on future research directions.
Li presenting at the 2026 XJTLU Postgraduate Research Symposium
Speaking about the challenges facing this area of research, Li said: “The primary challenge lies in Treg heterogeneity and plasticity during disease progression.” She noted that these features contribute to the limited efficacy and adverse effects of current Treg-based therapies, and that future research should further investigate the dynamic characteristics, functional plasticity, and molecular mechanisms of Tregs.
Li (second left) receiving the best poster presentation award at the 2026 XJTLU Postgraduate Research Symposium
Looking ahead, Li said that greater cross-disciplinary integration of immunology, synthetic biology, computational modeling, and clinical medicine could help enable predictive biomarkers and programmable cell therapies. She added that such interdisciplinary efforts may open up new possibilities for precision treatment in T1DM and support the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
Yutong Li (left) with her supervisor, Prof Eyad Elkord (right)
Photos：Yutong Li
Review：Professor John Moraros、Professor Eyad Elkord、Yutong Li
Content by：Luyao
17 Apr 2026