Autologous Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived β-Like Cells for Diabetes Cellular Therapy

Diabetes. 2017 May;66(5):1111-1120. doi: 10.2337/db16-1406.

Abstract

Development of stem cell technologies for cell replacement therapy has progressed rapidly in recent years. Diabetes has long been seen as one of the first applications for stem cell-derived cells because of the loss of only a single cell type-the insulin-producing β-cell. Recent reports have detailed strategies that overcome prior hurdles to generate functional β-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells in vitro, including from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Even with this accomplishment, addressing immunological barriers to transplantation remains a major challenge for the field. The development of clinically relevant hiPSC derivation methods from patients and demonstration that these cells can be differentiated into β-like cells presents a new opportunity to treat diabetes without immunosuppression or immunoprotective encapsulation or with only targeted protection from autoimmunity. This review focuses on the current status in generating and transplanting autologous β-cells for diabetes cell therapy, highlighting the unique advantages and challenges of this approach.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / methods*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / transplantation*
  • Patient Selection
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods