First-of-Its-Kind Cell Transplant Brings a Cure for Diabetes Closer
5 days ago
- #transplant
- #diabetes
- #CRISPR
- A patient with type 1 diabetes began producing insulin after receiving genetically edited pancreatic islet cells.
- The cells were edited using CRISPR to avoid immune rejection, eliminating the need for immunosuppressant drugs.
- The patient, who had diabetes since age 5, received the transplant via injections into his forearm muscle.
- Over 12 weeks, the cells successfully responded to glucose spikes by producing insulin.
- Three genetic edits were made: two reduced antigens targeted by T cells, and one boosted CD47 protein to block innate immune responses.
- Only cells with all three successful edits survived, proving the concept's viability.
- Previous studies in monkeys and mice showed promise, but this is the first successful human trial without immunosuppressants.
- The method could improve diabetes treatment and be adapted for other cell transplants to reduce reliance on immunosuppressants.
- The research was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.