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Immunological Issues After Stem Cell-Based β Cell Replacement

  • Immunology, Transplantation, and Regenerative Medicine (L Piemonti and V Sordi, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Diabetes Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Islet and pancreas transplantation prove that β cell replacement can cure the glycemic derangements in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into functional insulin-producing cells, able to restore normoglycemia in diabetic animal models. iPSCs in particular can be derived from the somatic cells of a person with T1D. This review aims to clarify if it is possible to transplant autologous iPSC-derived β cells without immunosuppression or which are the alternative approaches.

Recent Findings

Several lines of evidence show that autologous iPSC and their derivatives can be immune rejected, and this immunogenicity depends on the reprogramming, the type of cells generated, the transplantation site, and the genetic/epigenetic modifications induced by reprogramming and differentiation. Besides, cell replacement in T1D should keep in consideration also the possibility of autoimmune reaction against autologous stem cell-derived β cells.

Summary

Autologous iPSC-derived β cells could be immunogenic upon transplantation, eliciting both auto and allogeneic immune response. A strategy to protect cells from immune rejection is still needed. This strategy should be efficacious in protecting the grafted cells, but also avoid toxicity and the risk of tumor formation.

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Acknowledgments

Research was supported by grant from the European Commission H2020 681070.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy

    Valeria Sordi, Silvia Pellegrini & Lorenzo Piemonti

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  1. Valeria Sordi
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  3. Lorenzo Piemonti
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Correspondence to Lorenzo Piemonti.

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Valeria Sordi, Silvia Pellegrini, and Lorenzo Piemonti declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Immunology, Transplantation, and Regenerative Medicine

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Sordi, V., Pellegrini, S. & Piemonti, L. Immunological Issues After Stem Cell-Based β Cell Replacement. Curr Diab Rep 17, 68 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0901-4

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