The Role of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating Type 1 Diabetes and Scientific Advances in Evading an Immune Response

Abstract

Considering the increasing prevalence and healthcare costs associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), the disease has become an essential subject of continuing research. In particular, type 1 diabetes (T1D) has garnered great interest since current treatments are limited to following a strict diet and insulin regimen or involve approaches that are inaccessible or inappropriate for use by the public. While studies have shown promising effects of stem cell therapy in treating diabetes-induced nephropathy/retinopathy, further research is underway to find a cure for the disease itself. Human embryonic stem cells hold promise for treating T1D because they can effectively differentiate into endocrine and pancreatic cells without encapsulation. However, the likelihood of rejection has shifted focus onto novel techniques that could allow stem cell-derived β-cells to circumvent the immune system. Targeting Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules using gene editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 system would allow for an increased graft tolerance. This promising system, combined with encapsulating stem cells to physically separate them from the immune system, could support long-term cell survival and thus increase the likelihood of finding a cure for T1D.