(200 words) Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder directed against the pancreatic islet β cells. The genetic risk for the disease is linked to HLA-DQ genotypes and unknown environmental triggers. In most countries, only 10-15% of newly diagnosed T1D children or young adults have a first degree relative with the disease. Autoantibodies against insulin, GAD65, IA-2 or ZnT8 transporter mark islet autoimmunity. These islet autoantibodies may develop already at 1-2 years of age. Immune therapy in T1D is approached at three stages. Primary prevention is treatment of subjects at increased genetic risk. The TRIGR trial is testing if hydrolyzed casein milk formula may reduce T1D in genetically predisposed infants. Secondary prevention is in subjects with persistent islet autoantibodies. On-going trials are either non-autoantigen (BCG, CD3 monoclonal antibodies) or autoantigen (oral and nasal insulin or Alum-formulated GAD65) specific. Intervention at diabetes onset include non-autoantigen (CD3 monoclonal antibodies, IL-2 receptor antibodies, Il-1b receptor inhibitor, Il-1b antibodies, BCG, ATG, DiaPep277) and autoantigen (proinsulin peptides) specific therapy. Although preserved beta-cell function long term has been difficult to achieve in many prior studies, considerable progress is being made through controlled clinical trials and animal investigations to uncover mechanisms of beta-cell destruction. Novel therapies that would prevent islet autoimmunity or halt progressive beta-cell destruction need to be designed.