In a groundbreaking study, scientists have permanently cured Type 1 diabetes in mice using a dual transplant approach that combines blood-forming stem cells with insulin-producing islet cells. This innovative therapy reprograms the immune system, forming a hybrid of donor and recipient cells that prevents autoimmune attacks on the pancreas. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage the disease, this method resets the immune response entirely-stopping diabetes in its tracks.
The procedure uses low-dose radiation and immune-targeting antibodies to prepare the body, followed by the transplants and a drug already used for autoimmune conditions. In every mouse treated-both those predisposed to the disease and those already living with it-diabetes was eliminated without immune rejection or complications. Since most components of the treatment are already in medical use, researchers believe human trials could come next. If successful, the technique could pave the way for revolutionary therapies not just for diabetes, but for a range of autoimmune and transplant-related diseases.
paper
Curing autoimmune diabetes in mice with islet and hematopoietic cell transplantation after CD117 antibody-based conditioning. Journal of Clinical Investigation