Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed an advanced cell therapy to treat type 1 diabetes, successfully tested in mice. The method involves transplanting pancreatic islets along with modified endothelial cells that form blood vessels. This enhances cell survival and localization, leading to rapid remission of diabetes in the animals. The approach shows high potential, as the FDA has already approved a similar technology for humans.
In type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune reaction destroys the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. While islet cell transplants are already used, their effectiveness is limited due to cell dispersion throughout the body. The addition of endothelial cells addresses this issue, providing a stable therapeutic effect, unlike standard islet transplants.
Experiments on mice showed long-term remission of diabetes thanks to the new method. The next step is testing on larger animals, after which clinical trials may follow in the coming years. Meanwhile, European scientists are exploring the protection of beta cells through receptor targeting, which could also become an effective strategy for treatment and prevention.
#space #science #educational #technology
