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The autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus results from immunemediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The mechanisms involved in the destruction of β cells are still unclear, it is believed that these autoantigens from the lesion cells are recognized by the immune system, during a non-regulated immune response induces the process of organ-specific autoimmunity. It is necessary to determine exactly which factors are related to the induction of autoimmunity to obtain a better control of the disease. This paper describes the main immunological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus, highlighting the involvement of environmental factors (infections) and apoptotic disorders may be related to the release of autoantigen of pancreatic β cells which are recognized and captured by macrophages and dendritic cells and presented to the B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, which after specific activation by autoantigen generate an autoimmune response organ-specific able to eliminate pancreatic β cells. A better understanding of immunopathogenics mechanisms may contribute to the development of new therapeutic perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]