The present invention provides methods of treating, preventing or ameliorating the symptoms of Latent
Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) and adult-onset type 1 diabetes through the use of anti-human CD3 antibodies. In particular, in invention provides methods of preventing or delaying
insulin requirement in patients diagnosed with LADA. The methods of the invention provide for administration of antibodies that specifically bind the epsilon
subunit within the human CD3 complex. Such antibodies modulate the
T cell receptor / alloantigen interaction and, thus, regulate the
T cell mediated
cytotoxicity associated with autoimmune disorders. Additionally, the invention provides for modification of the anti-human CD3 antibodies such that they exhibit reduced or eliminated
effector function and
T cell activation as compared to non-modified anti-human CD3 antibodies.