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Grimus S, Sarangova V, Welzel PB, Ludwig B, Seissler J, Kemter E, Wolf E, Ali A. Immunoprotection Strategies in β-Cell Replacement Therapy: A Closer Look at Porcine Islet Xenotransplantation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401385. [PMID: 38884159 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by absolute insulin deficiency primarily due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. The prevailing treatment for T1DM involves daily subcutaneous insulin injections, but a substantial proportion of patients face challenges such as severe hypoglycemic episodes and poorly controlled hyperglycemia. For T1DM patients, a more effective therapeutic option involves the replacement of β-cells through allogeneic transplantation of either the entire pancreas or isolated pancreatic islets. Unfortunately, the scarcity of transplantable human organs has led to a growing list of patients waiting for an islet transplant. One potential alternative is xenotransplantation of porcine pancreatic islets. However, due to inter-species molecular incompatibilities, porcine tissues trigger a robust immune response in humans, leading to xenograft rejection. Several promising strategies aim to overcome this challenge and enhance the long-term survival and functionality of xenogeneic islet grafts. These strategies include the use of islets derived from genetically modified pigs, immunoisolation of islets by encapsulation in biocompatible materials, and the creation of an immunomodulatory microenvironment by co-transplanting islets with accessory cells or utilizing immunomodulatory biomaterials. This review concentrates on delineating the primary obstacles in islet xenotransplantation and elucidates the fundamental principles and recent breakthroughs aimed at addressing these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Grimus
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, D-85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Interfaculty Center for Endocrine and Cardiovascular Disease Network Modelling and Clinical Transfer (ICONLMU), LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Victoria Sarangova
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Petra B Welzel
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, D-01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Ludwig
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307, Dresden, Germany
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Faculty of Medicine of the Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307, Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Seissler
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Diabetes Zentrum - Campus Innenstadt, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kemter
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, D-85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Interfaculty Center for Endocrine and Cardiovascular Disease Network Modelling and Clinical Transfer (ICONLMU), LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, D-85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Interfaculty Center for Endocrine and Cardiovascular Disease Network Modelling and Clinical Transfer (ICONLMU), LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Asghar Ali
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, D-85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Interfaculty Center for Endocrine and Cardiovascular Disease Network Modelling and Clinical Transfer (ICONLMU), LMU Munich, D-81377, Munich, Germany
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Ho BX, Teo AKK, Ng NHJ. Innovations in bio-engineering and cell-based approaches to address immunological challenges in islet transplantation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375177. [PMID: 38650946 PMCID: PMC11033429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human allogeneic pancreatic islet transplantation is a life-changing treatment for patients with severe Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who suffer from hypoglycemia unawareness and high risk of severe hypoglycemia. However, intensive immunosuppression is required to prevent immune rejection of the graft, that may in turn lead to undesirable side effects such as toxicity to the islet cells, kidney toxicity, occurrence of opportunistic infections, and malignancies. The shortage of cadaveric human islet donors further limits islet transplantation as a treatment option for widespread adoption. Alternatively, porcine islets have been considered as another source of insulin-secreting cells for transplantation in T1D patients, though xeno-transplants raise concerns over the risk of endogenous retrovirus transmission and immunological incompatibility. As a result, technological advancements have been made to protect transplanted islets from immune rejection and inflammation, ideally in the absence of chronic immunosuppression, to improve the outcomes and accessibility of allogeneic islet cell replacement therapies. These include the use of microencapsulation or macroencapsulation devices designed to provide an immunoprotective environment using a cell-impermeable layer, preventing immune cell attack of the transplanted cells. Other up and coming advancements are based on the use of stem cells as the starting source material for generating islet cells 'on-demand'. These starting stem cell sources include human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that have been genetically engineered to avoid the host immune response, curated HLA-selected donor hiPSCs that can be matched with recipients within a given population, and multipotent stem cells with natural immune privilege properties. These strategies are developed to provide an immune-evasive cell resource for allogeneic cell therapy. This review will summarize the immunological challenges facing islet transplantation and highlight recent bio-engineering and cell-based approaches aimed at avoiding immune rejection, to improve the accessibility of islet cell therapy and enhance treatment outcomes. Better understanding of the different approaches and their limitations can guide future research endeavors towards developing more comprehensive and targeted strategies for creating a more tolerogenic microenvironment, and improve the effectiveness and sustainability of islet transplantation to benefit more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Xuan Ho
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- BetaLife Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natasha Hui Jin Ng
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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Ghoneim MA, Gabr MM, El-Halawani SM, Refaie AF. Current status of stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes: a critique and a prospective consideration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:23. [PMID: 38281991 PMCID: PMC10823744 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there had been progress in the development of cell therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes. Nevertheless, important hurdles that need to be overcome still remain. Protocols for the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic progenitors or fully differentiated β-cells have been developed. The resulting insulin-producing cells can control chemically induced diabetes in rodents and were the subject of several clinical trials. However, these cells are immunogenic and possibly teratogenic for their transplantation, and an immunoisolation device and/or immunosuppression is needed. A growing number of studies have utilized genetic manipulations to produce immune evasive cells. Evidence must be provided that in addition to the expected benefit, gene manipulations should not lead to any unforeseen complications. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can provide a viable alternative. MSCs are widely available from many tissues. They can form insulin-producing cells by directed differentiation. Experimentally, evidence has shown that the transplantation of allogenic insulin-producing cells derived from MSCs is associated with a muted allogeneic response that does not interfere with their functionality. This can be explained by the immunomodulatory functions of the MSC subpopulation that did not differentiate into insulin-producing cells. Recently, exosomes derived from naive MSCs have been used in the experimental domain to treat diabetes in rodents with varying degrees of success. Several mechanisms for their beneficial functions were proposed including a reduction in insulin resistance, the promotion of autophagy, and an increase in the T regulatory population. However, euglycemia was not achieved in any of these experiments. We suggest that exosomes derived from β-cells or insulin-producing cells (educated) can provide a better therapeutic effect than those derived from undifferentiated cells.
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Wang Y, Wang K, Wang X, Luo Y, Chen H. Hydrogel-Composited Laminate for Islet Immune-Isolation to Treat Type 1 Diabetes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:3042-3055. [PMID: 38215348 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Challenges remain to be solved for the clinical translation of β-cell encapsulation technology in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Successful delivery of β cells urgently needs the development of an encapsulation device with a thin dimension and rapid mass transport that offers stable immune isolation and complete retrieval. In this study, we focus on a laminate in which an islet-embedding alginate hydrogel layer (Alg) is sandwiched between two polymer layers (polyether sulfone, PES). Mechanical support by the PES layer protects the alginate from disintegrating after implantation and allows complete retrieval. The multilayered device has a thin membrane configuration (∼1 mm), and the edge of the laminate and the gaps between Alg and PES offer a semiopen structure that could be more permeable to molecules compared with the closed pocket of conventional macroencapsulation. Islets are suspended in the alginate solution and then encapsulated in the hydrogel layer in the middle of the laminate after gelation. Encapsulating syngeneic or xenogeneic islets in the laminate device corrected chemically induced T1D in mice for over 90 days in both the intraperitoneal space and the epididymal fat pad. The multilayered membrane system may therefore provide a translatable solution in β cell-transplantation therapy in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xi Wang
- State key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Haifeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, China
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Widener AE, Roberts A, Phelps EA. Granular Hydrogels for Harnessing the Immune Response. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2303005. [PMID: 38145369 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to understand the current progress in immune-instructive granular hydrogels and identify the key features used as immunomodulatory strategies. Published work is systematically reviewed and relevant information about granular hydrogels used throughout these studies is collected. The base polymer, microgel generation technique, polymer crosslinking chemistry, particle size and shape, annealing strategy, granular hydrogel stiffness, pore size and void space, degradability, biomolecule presentation, and drug release are cataloged for each work. Several granular hydrogel parameters used for immune modulation: porosity, architecture, bioactivity, drug release, cell delivery, and modularity, are identified. The authors found in this review that porosity is the most significant factor influencing the innate immune response to granular hydrogels, while incorporated bioactivity is more significant in influencing adaptive immune responses. Here, the authors' findings and summarized results from each section are presented and suggestions are made for future studies to better understand the benefits of using immune-instructive granular hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Widener
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Abilene Roberts
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
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Hao T, Ji G, Qian M, Li QX, Huang H, Deng S, Liu P, Deng W, Wei Y, He J, Wang S, Gao W, Li T, Cheng J, Tian J, Pan L, Gao F, Li Z, Zhao Q. Intracellular delivery of nitric oxide enhances the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for myocardial infarction. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi9967. [PMID: 38019911 PMCID: PMC10686553 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi9967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy by autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a clinically acceptable strategy for treating various diseases. Unfortunately, the therapeutic efficacy is largely affected by the low quality of MSCs collected from patients. Here, we showed that the gene expression of MSCs from patients with diabetes was differentially regulated compared to that of MSCs from healthy controls. Then, MSCs were genetically engineered to catalyze an NO prodrug to release NO intracellularly. Compared to extracellular NO conversion, intracellular NO delivery effectively prolonged survival and enhanced the paracrine function of MSCs, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo assays. The enhanced therapeutic efficacy of engineered MSCs combined with intracellular NO delivery was further confirmed in mouse and rat models of myocardial infarction, and a clinically relevant cell administration paradigm through secondary thoracotomy has been attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guangbo Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Meng Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qiu Xuan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyan Huang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shiyu Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Weak-Light Nonlinear Photonics of Education Ministry, School of Physics and TEDA Institute of Applied Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Pei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Weiliang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yongzhen Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ju He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Shusen Wang
- Organ Transplant Center, NHC Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenqing Gao
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Heart Center, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiansong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Jinwei Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Leiting Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Weak-Light Nonlinear Photonics of Education Ministry, School of Physics and TEDA Institute of Applied Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zongjin Li
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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7
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Czarnecka Z, Dadheech N, Razavy H, Pawlick R, Shapiro AMJ. The Current Status of Allogenic Islet Cell Transplantation. Cells 2023; 12:2423. [PMID: 37887267 PMCID: PMC10605704 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The development of the Edmonton Protocol for islet transplantation in 2000 revolutionized T1D treatment and offered a glimpse at a cure for the disease. In 2022, the 20-year follow-up findings of islet cell transplantation demonstrated the long-term safety of islet cell transplantation despite chronic immunosuppression. The Edmonton Protocol, however, remains limited by two obstacles: scarce organ donor availability and risks associated with chronic immunosuppression. To overcome these challenges, the search has begun for an alternative cell source. In 2006, pluripotency genomic factors, coined "Yamanaka Factors," were discovered, which reprogram mature somatic cells back to their embryonic, pluripotent form (iPSC). iPSCs can then be differentiated into specialized cell types, including islet cells. This discovery has opened a gateway to a personalized medicine approach to treating diabetes, circumventing the issues of donor supply and immunosuppression. In this review, we present a brief history of allogenic islet cell transplantation from the early days of pancreatic remnant transplantation to present work on encapsulating stem cell-derived cells. We review data on long-term outcomes and the ongoing challenges of allogenic islet cell and stem cell-derived islet cell transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Czarnecka
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2RW3, Canada; (N.D.); (H.R.); (R.P.); (A.M.J.S.)
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8
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Qin T, Smink AM, de Vos P. Enhancing longevity of immunoisolated pancreatic islet grafts by modifying both the intracapsular and extracapsular environment. Acta Biomater 2023:S1742-7061(23)00362-8. [PMID: 37392934 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells. Transplantation of immunoisolated pancreatic islets might treat T1DM in the absence of chronic immunosuppression. Important advances have been made in the past decade as capsules can be produced that provoke minimal to no foreign body response after implantation. However, graft survival is still limited as islet dysfunction may occur due to chronic damage to islets during islet isolation, immune responses induced by inflammatory cells, and nutritional issues for encapsulated cells. This review summarizes the current challenges for promoting longevity of grafts. Possible strategies for improving islet graft longevity are also discussed, including supplementation of the intracapsular milieu with essential survival factors, promotion of vascularization and oxygenation near capsules, modulation of biomaterials, and co-transplantation of accessory cells. Current insight is that both the intracapsular as well as the extracapsular properties should be improved to achieve long-term survival of islet-tissue. Some of these approaches reproducibly induce normoglycemia for more than a year in rodents. Further development of the technology requires collective research efforts in material science, immunology, and endocrinology. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Islet immunoisolation allows for transplantation of insulin producing cells in absence of immunosuppression and might facilitate the use of xenogeneic cell sources or grafting of cells obtained from replenishable cell sources. However, a major challenge to date is to create a microenvironment that supports long-term graft survival. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the currently identified factors that have been demonstrated to be involved in either stimulating or reducing islet graft survival in immunoisolating devices and discussed current strategies to enhance the longevity of encapsulated islet grafts as treatment for type 1 diabetes. Although significant challenges remain, interdisciplinary collaboration across fields may overcome obstacles and facilitate the translation of encapsulated cell therapy from the laboratory to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Qin
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, EA 11, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexandra M Smink
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, EA 11, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul de Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, EA 11, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
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9
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Hu X, Gattis C, Olroyd AG, Friera AM, White K, Young C, Basco R, Lamba M, Wells F, Ankala R, Dowdle WE, Lin A, Egenberger K, Rukstalis JM, Millman JR, Connolly AJ, Deuse T, Schrepfer S. Human hypoimmune primary pancreatic islets avoid rejection and autoimmunity and alleviate diabetes in allogeneic humanized mice. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg5794. [PMID: 37043559 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg5794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of allogeneic pancreatic donor islets has successfully been performed in selected patients with difficult-to-control insulin-dependent diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH). However, the required systemic immunosuppression associated with this procedure prevents this cell replacement therapy from more widespread adoption in larger patient populations. We report the editing of primary human islet cells to the hypoimmune HLA class I- and class II-negative and CD47-overexpressing phenotype and their reaggregation into human HIP pseudoislets (p-islets). Human HIP p-islets were shown to survive, engraft, and ameliorate diabetes in immunocompetent, allogeneic, diabetic humanized mice. HIP p-islet cells were further shown to avoid autoimmune killing in autologous, diabetic humanized autoimmune mice. The survival and endocrine function of HIP p-islet cells were not impaired by contamination of unedited or partially edited cells within the p-islets. HIP p-islet cells were eliminated quickly and reliably in this model using a CD47-targeting antibody, thus providing a safety strategy in case HIP cells exert toxicity in a future clinical setting. Transplantation of human HIP p-islets for which no immunosuppression is required has the potential to lead to wider adoption of this therapy and help more diabetes patients with IAH and history of severe hypoglycemic events to achieve insulin independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Hu
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Corie Gattis
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Ari G Olroyd
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Annabelle M Friera
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kathy White
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Chi Young
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Ron Basco
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Meghan Lamba
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Frank Wells
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Ramya Ankala
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - William E Dowdle
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - August Lin
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kyla Egenberger
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey R Millman
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Andrew J Connolly
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tobias Deuse
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplant and Stem Cell Immunobiology (TSI) Lab, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sonja Schrepfer
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., 1 Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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10
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Wang Y, Wang K, Luo Y, Chen H. Hydrogel-Bondable Asymmetric Planar Membranes with Hierarchical Pore Structures for Cell Scaffolding and Encapsulation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:1706-1719. [PMID: 36795620 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials for cell replacement therapy could facilitate the delivery, function, and retrieval of transplanted therapeutic cells. However, the limited capacity to accommodate a sufficient quantity of cells in biomedical devices has hindered the success of clinical application, resulting from the suboptimal spatial organization of cells and insufficient permeation of nutrients in the materials. Herein, through the immersion-precipitation phase transfer (IPPT) process from polyether sulfone (PES), we develop planar asymmetric membranes with a hierarchical pore architecture spanning from nanopores (∼20 nm) in the dense skin and open-ended microchannel arrays with gradient pore size increasing vertically from microns to ∼100 μm. The nanoporous skin would be an ultrathin diffusion barrier, while the microchannels could support high-density cell loading by acting as separate chambers allowing uniform distribution of cells in the scaffold. Alginate hydrogel could permeate into the channels and form a sealing layer after gelation, which could slow down the invasion of host immune cells into the scaffold. The hybrid thin-sheet encapsulation system (∼400 μm thick) could protect allogeneic cells over half-year after intraperitoneal (IP) implantation in immune-competent mice. Such structural membranes and plastic-hydrogel hybrids of thin dimensions could find important applications in cell delivery therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Haifeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, China
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- A M James Shapiro
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Islet Transplant Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Kevin Verhoeff
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Islet Transplant Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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12
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Gerace D, Zhou Q, Kenty JHR, Veres A, Sintov E, Wang X, Boulanger KR, Li H, Melton DA. Engineering human stem cell-derived islets to evade immune rejection and promote localized immune tolerance. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:100879. [PMID: 36599351 PMCID: PMC9873825 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunological protection of transplanted stem cell-derived islet (SC-islet) cells is yet to be achieved without chronic immunosuppression or encapsulation. Existing genetic engineering approaches to produce immune-evasive SC-islet cells have so far shown variable results. Here, we show that targeting human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) and PD-L1 alone does not sufficiently protect SC-islet cells from xenograft (xeno)- or allograft (allo)-rejection. As an addition to these approaches, we genetically engineer SC-islet cells to secrete the cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and modified IL-2 such that they promote a tolerogenic local microenvironment by recruiting regulatory T cells (Tregs) to the islet grafts. Cytokine-secreting human SC-β cells resist xeno-rejection and correct diabetes for up to 8 weeks post-transplantation in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Thus, genetically engineering human embryonic SCs (hESCs) to induce a tolerogenic local microenvironment represents a promising approach to provide SC-islet cells as a cell replacement therapy for diabetes without the requirement for encapsulation or immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Gerace
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Hyoje-Ryu Kenty
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adrian Veres
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elad Sintov
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle R. Boulanger
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hongfei Li
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas A. Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Corresponding author
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13
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Burns JS. The Art of Stem Cell-Based Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1420:1-12. [PMID: 37258780 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30040-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Potency assays represent crucial experiments at the hub of the comprehensive complexity surrounding cell therapy. Moreover, numerous factors beyond biological and scientific considerations are involved in achieving successful potency assays that fulfil regulatory authority approval for a new advanced therapy medicinal product. Though this can mean a frustratingly long period of discovery and development, progress in cell therapy is nowadays proceeding remarkably quickly, assisted by the potency assay rigorously placing emphasis on the need to critically analyse the key factor/s responsible for the therapeutic mechanism of action. History has shown that it can take many decades for there to be an improved understanding of a mechanism of action. Yet the chasing of precise targets has revolutionised medicine, with no clearer example than approaches to viral pandemics. The centuries involved in the eradication of smallpox have paved the way for an unprecedented pace of vaccine development for the Covid-19 pandemic. Such extraordinary accomplishments foster encouragement that similarly for stem cell-based therapy, our scientific knowledge will continue to improve apace. This chapter focuses on the art of experimentation and discovery, introducing potency assay requisites and numerous factors that can influence potency assay outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of potency assays and their development can hasten the provision of new cell therapies to help resolve burdensome diseases of unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge S Burns
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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14
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Meissner TB, Schulze HS, Dale SM. Immune Editing: Overcoming Immune Barriers in Stem Cell Transplantation. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2022; 8:206-218. [PMID: 36406259 PMCID: PMC9643905 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-022-00221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Human pluripotent stem cells have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of inborn and degenerative diseases, including aging and autoimmunity. A major barrier to their wider adoption in cell therapies is immune rejection. Genome editing allows for tinkering of the human genome in stem and progenitor cells and raises the prospect for overcoming the immune barriers to transplantation. Recent Findings Initial attempts have focused primarily on the major histocompatibility barrier that is formed by the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-L1, CD47, or HLA-G, are being explored both, in the presence or absence of HLA, to mitigate immune rejection by the various cellular components of the immune system. Summary In this review, we discuss progress in surmounting immune barriers to cell transplantation, with a particular focus on genetic engineering of human pluripotent stem and progenitor cells and the therapeutic cell types derived from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten B. Meissner
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Henrike S. Schulze
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Stanley M. Dale
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
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15
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Jeyagaran A, Lu CE, Zbinden A, Birkenfeld AL, Brucker SY, Layland SL. Type 1 diabetes and engineering enhanced islet transplantation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114481. [PMID: 36002043 PMCID: PMC9531713 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The development of new therapeutic approaches to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) relies on the precise understanding and deciphering of insulin-secreting β-cell biology, as well as the mechanisms responsible for their autoimmune destruction. β-cell or islet transplantation is viewed as a potential long-term therapy for the millions of patients with diabetes. To advance the field of insulin-secreting cell transplantation, two main research areas are currently investigated by the scientific community: (1) the identification of the developmental pathways that drive the differentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells, providing an inexhaustible source of cells; and (2) transplantation strategies and engineered transplants to provide protection and enhance the functionality of transplanted cells. In this review, we discuss the biology of pancreatic β-cells, pathology of T1D and current state of β-cell differentiation. We give a comprehensive view and discuss the different possibilities to engineer enhanced insulin-secreting cell/islet transplantation from a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiramy Jeyagaran
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Chuan-en Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Aline Zbinden
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas L. Birkenfeld
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Munich, Germany
| | - Sara Y. Brucker
- Department of Women's Health, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shannon L. Layland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Department of Women's Health, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Corresponding author at: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Silcherstrasse 7/1, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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16
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Hennessy C, Deptula M, Issa F. Research Highlights. Transplantation 2022; 106:1888-1889. [PMID: 37779302 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Conor Hennessy
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Milena Deptula
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Fadi Issa
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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