Modified stem cell therapy reverses new-onset Type 1 diabetes in mice

The experimental treatment uses mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) – adult stem cells with a natural ability to heal tissue and regulate the immune system. Previous clinical trials have shown that standard MSCs can help to preserve remaining insulin production in T1D patients. However, without a means to counter the body's severe inflammatory response, MSCs can be overwhelmed before they can fully reverse the established disease.

Reprogramming the immune system

Wang's team then set out to understand how the therapy worked at the cellular level. By analyzing thousands of individual immune cells, they discovered that the infusion of AAT-MSCs didn't just suppress the overactive immune system; it actively reprogrammed it.

However, after AAT-MSC treatment, Wang and her team observed a striking increase in the number of peacekeeper cells and a decrease in active attacker cells, which appeared driven to exhaustion by the therapy.

A hopeful future

The research has far-reaching implications, with the team already exploring how this immune-reprogramming strategy might apply to other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or chronic pancreatitis.

"If preliminary trials are successful, we want to do a large, multicenter trial for Type 1 diabetes," said Wang. "The good news is that there are studies saying that even if you have had T1D for many years, you still have remaining insulin-producing cells there that are functioning. So hopefully we can apply this to people with long-term T1D as well."

Clinical trial information

The Wang Lab is actively recruiting participants for two chronic pancreatitis trials:

• Safety and Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Associated With Chronic Pancreatitis Pain (STEMCAP-1) 
• Novel Cellular Therapy for the Treatment of Pain Associated With Chronic Pancreatitis (MSCPainRelief) 

Source:

Medical University of South Carolina

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