The major suggested mechanisms underlying the protective role of TRAIL in T1DM involve its direct inhibitory effects on autoreactive immune cells infiltrating pancreatic islets; the suppression of proinflammatory cytokine signaling; the inhibition of pancreatic matrix degradation, which is thought to prevent cytokine-induced insulitis; and finally, the inhibition of apoptosis and stimulation of proliferation of pancreatic β-cells. This evidence concerns the gene TNFSF10 and type 1 diabetes mellitus.