Developments in stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy for treating type 1 diabetes

The generation of islet-like endocrine clusters from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has the potential to provide an unlimited source of insulin-producing b cells for the treatment of diabetes. In order for this cell therapy to become widely adopted, highly functional and well-characterized stem cell-derived islets (SC-is-lets) need to be manufactured at scale. Furthermore, successful SC-islet replacement strategies should pre-vent significant cell loss immediately following transplantation and avoid long-term immune rejection. This review highlights the most recent advances in the generation and characterization of highly functional SC-is-lets as well as strategies to ensure graft viability and safety after transplantation.

Automated summary

The generation of islet-like endocrine clusters from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has great potential for diabetes treatment. To be widely adopted, highly functional and well-characterized stem cell-derived islets (SC-is-lets) need to be manufactured at scale. This review discusses recent advances in generating and characterizing SC-is-lets, as well as strategies to ensure graft viability and safety after transplantation.