Stem Cell Research
in Diabetes
Research at the Medical University of South Carolina using mesenchymal stem cell infusion as an intervention for treating type 1 diabetes
Research Background
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which T cells attack and destroy insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells leading to insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia in patients. The standard treatment is life-long insulin therapy. However, this therapy is not a cure and a safer and more effective therapy is needed.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have emerged as a novel biopharmaceutical approach for many disorders. MSCs are a cellular product that can be derived from a patient's own body (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic). Evidence from clinical trials suggests that MSC infusion suppresses autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as T1D. One clear message from these trials is that MSCs are effective at suppressing autoimmunity and appear generally safe.
