allogeneic islets of Langerhans transplant

Allogeneic islets of Langerhans transplant is a cellular therapy involving the infusion of purified endocrine clusters (islets) isolated from a deceased donor's pancreas into a recipient with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The procedure typically involves infusion into the hepatic portal vein, where the islets engraft and function as a 'bio-artificial pancreas' by sensing blood glucose levels and secreting insulin, glucagon, and other hormones. This therapy aims to restore glycemic stability, prevent severe hypoglycemia, and potentially achieve insulin independence. The University of Minnesota has been a pioneering institution in this field, conducting numerous clinical trials to optimize islet isolation techniques and evaluate various immunosuppressive regimens, such as efalizumab and sirolimus, required to prevent graft rejection and recurrent autoimmunity.

Other names

islet allograftpancreatic islet transplantationallogeneic pancreatic isletscadaveric islet transplant