Objective
This project will create an innovative approach to achieve immune tolerance of the transplanted islets locally, eliminating the use or reducing the dosage and frequency of systemic immune suppressants.
Background Rationale
Insulin therapy is lifesaving to T1D patients. However, the level of glycemic control is yet to be comparable to the one achieved with the natural pancreas. Pancreatic islet transplantation is considered a functional cure for T1D patients, producing long-term blood glucose control and eliminating hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic incidences. Nevertheless, current islet transplantation requires the administration of immune suppressants to slow down the rejection of donor islets, which is known for their systemic side effects, particularly under long-term use. There is an unmet need for novel approaches to effectively achieve immune tolerance locally, rather than systemically.
Description of Project
Insulin therapy is lifesaving to T1D patients. However, the level of glycemic control is yet to be comparable to the one achieved with the natural pancreas. Pancreatic islet transplantation is considered a functional cure for T1D patients, producing long-term blood glucose control and eliminating hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic incidences. Nevertheless, current islet transplantation requires the administration of immune suppressants to slow down the rejection of donor islets, which is known for their systemic side effects, particularly under long-term use. This project will create an innovative approach to achieve immune tolerance of the transplanted islets locally, eliminating the use or reducing the dosage and frequency of systemic immune suppressants. The expected outcome will significantly improve the practice of islet transplantation and the life of T1D patients.
Anticipated Outcome
The expected outcome will significantly improve the practice of islet transplantation by supporting the viability and function of transplanted islets and reducing the use of immune suppressants and their side effects.
Relevance to T1D
The proposed novel approach to achieving local immune tolerance can be conveniently integrated into a typical islet transplantation process. It potentially transforms the current islet transplantation practice and improves the life of T1D patients.