Pancreatic islet cell (beta cell) transplantation

Pancreatic islet cell (beta cell) transplantation is an advanced therapy for diabetes in which clusters of insulin-producing beta cells, typically sourced from human allogeneic (donor) islets, are transplanted into diabetic recipients to restore endogenous insulin secretion[1][2][3][4][6][7][8]. To circumvent immune rejection, these islet cells can be protected by a semipermeable immunoisolating hydrogel barrier, which allows for diffusion of nutrients and insulin but prevents immune cell attack. This intervention stands at the intersection of regenerative medicine, immunology, and cell therapy, and aims to reestablish physiologic glucose sensing and insulin release for metabolic normalization, particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes who lack functional beta cells. Notable challenges remain regarding graft longevity, immune protection, donor supply, and the risks associated with immunosuppressive therapy. The first FDA-approved therapy of its kind (Lantidra) was authorized in 2023 for adults with severe, recurrent hypoglycemia and type 1 diabetes for whom conventional therapy fails[8].

Other names

Pancreatic islet transplantationIslet cell transplantationPancreatic beta cell replacementAllogeneic pancreatic islet transplantationProtected (encapsulated) islet transplantationBeta cell replacement therapy

Restoration of glucose-regulated insulin secretion via implantation of viable pancreatic islet (beta) cells, with immunoprotection (hydrogel or similar encapsulation) to prevent allograft rejection and enable cell survival[1][2][3][4][6][7][8].