Coxsackie B4 virus is a
virus which can trigger an
autoimmune reaction[?] which results in an attack on the
beta cells. If destroyed, the person becomes a Type I
diabetic, no longer producing
insulin internally. There are several viruses in the Coxsackie family and many of them seem to evoke this response, as do several other agents. A genetic predispostion to this seems to be required. A particular HLA body type has been associated with that genetic predispostion.
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