Method for the detection of GAD65 autoreactive T cells in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic patients and in the prediabetic period

The present invention regards a method for detecting in a biological sample T cells reacting with the autoantigen glutammic acid decarboxylase, isoform 65 (GAD65) by using specific ligands, i.e. tetramers of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. The method is advantageous and might be useful for a precocious diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and to follow the disease outcome in patients who received a precocious diagnosis. The method is particularly advantageous for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type 1 diabetes, T1D)