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Welcome to the Michels Laboratory​

We are located in the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, part of the University of Colorado.

Our research focuses on the immunology of autoimmune diseases, with a particular focus on type 1 diabetes. Basic and translational research studies center on understanding how specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles confer diabetes risk and protection.

We discovered that small ‘drug-like’ molecules targeted to major histocompatibility (MHC) class II antigen presentation can block self-antigen T cell responses. We translated this therapeutic approach from bench to bedside using methyldopa (Aldomet) to block a diabetes-susceptible MHC class II molecule termed DQ8. 

​Studies are ongoing to understand the mechanism by which dominant protection is afforded by diabetes resistant MHC class II molecules in animal models and humans, including DQ6. There is also a strong focus within the laboratory to measure and monitor diabetes-specific T cell receptor sequences across the stages of type 1 diabetes development. 


We are currently looking for postdoctoral fellows to join our team. 
Please send CV to Dr. Aaron Michels at [email protected]




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  • Research
  • People
  • Publications
  • Contact