Bioengineers develop biochemical halo to cloak insulin-producing cells from body defenses
A protein known as interleukin 10 (IL-10) is the lynchpin of a new method to protect transplanted cells from host immune system attacks. Rice University researchers engineered a living factory to produce a localized biochemical halo of IL-10 to suppress immune rejection of pancreatic beta cells.
Scientists at Rice University have devised a novel technique to shield insulin-producing cells from the body's immune response. The researchers engineered a protein called interleukin 10 (IL-10) into a localized biochemical halo around the transplanted pancreatic beta cells. Published in Science Advances, the study demonstrated that the IL-10-haloed cells maintained stable blood sugar regulation in diabetic mice for over 100 days, a duration nearly five times longer than unprotected cells.
This breakthrough could pave the way for a permanent cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and enhance the efficacy of implantable therapies. Dr. Dilrasbonu Vohidova, a Rice bioengineering doctoral student and co-first author, explained that the approach maintains overall immune function while protecting the transplanted cells. The team's success in reducing fibrosis, the buildup of scar-like tissue around implanted materials, suggests that this method could also benefit other implantable treatments, potentially transforming the lives of millions with T1D.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
