Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: From Insulin Replacement to Beta-Cell Replacement

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease that attacks pancreatic beta-cells, leading to the destruction of insulitis-related islet beta-cells. Islet beta-cell transplantation has been proven as a curative measure in T1DM. However, a logarithmic increase in the global population with diabetes, limited donor supply, and the need for lifelong immunosuppression restrict the widespread use of beta-cell transplantation. Numerous therapeutic approaches have been taken to search for substitutes of beta-cells, among which stem cell transplantation is one of the most promising alternatives. Stem cells have demonstrated the potential efficacy to treat T1DM by reconstitution of immunotolerance and preservation of islet beta-cell function in recent research. cGMP-grade stem cell products have been used in human clinical trials, showing that stem cell transplantation has beneficial effects on T1DM, with no obvious adverse reactions. To better achieve remission of T1DM by stem cell transplantation, in this work, we explain the progression of stem cell transplantation such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (BM-HSCs) to restore the immunotolerance and preserve the islet beta-cell function of T1DM in recent years. This review article provides evidence of the clinical applications of stem cell therapy in the treatment of T1DM.

Automated summary

This review article discusses the application of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Stem cells have the potential to reestablish immunotolerance and preserve islet beta-cell function, providing a promising alternative for T1DM treatment.