SPRR2A and type 1 diabetes mellitus: One pro-inflammatory pathway that could be targeted in beta cells involves 12/15-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into a precursor of the inflammatory lipid 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [9] Research from Dr Mirmira’s laboratory has shown that deletion of 12/15-lipoxygenase protects against type 1 diabetes in mice by enhancing immune suppression via programmed death ligand 1 [10].