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Project

Biologic Characterization of Stem Cell-Derived Beta Cells Generated from Type 1 Diabetes Patients (FWOTM1011)

Human pluripotent stem cells are a potential large-scale source for cell implants that can cure type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods have been developed to drive their in vitro differentiation to pancreatic endoderm (PE) and further to beta cell-containing preparations, both shown to form functional beta cells when implanted in rodents under non-encapsulated and encapsulated form. Clinical studies have started with device-encapsulated stem cell-derived PE, an allogeneic graft presently tested under immune suppression. Use of an autologous graft would not require protection by an encapsulating biomaterial and immune therapy and would open prospects for optimizing the implant site. This strategy faces however questions on safety, cost, efficacy of patient-derived grafts and recurrence of autoimmune reactivity. The objective of this project is to investigate the biological characteristics of stem cell-derived beta cells that are generated in vitro from T1D-patients and their capacity to establish functional beta cell implants in mice. In vitro and in vivo studies will examine their responsiveness to elevated glucose levels and possible expression of disease markers.
Date:1 Nov 2020 →  Today
Keywords:Cell therapy, Beta cell biology, diabetes
Disciplines:Cell therapy, Endocrinology, Metabolic diseases