1
|
Karpov DS, Sosnovtseva AO, Pylina SV, Bastrich AN, Petrova DA, Kovalev MA, Shuvalova AI, Eremkina AK, Mokrysheva NG. Challenges of CRISPR/Cas-Based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: How Not to Engineer a "Trojan Horse". Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17320. [PMID: 38139149 PMCID: PMC10743607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas by cytotoxic T-cells. To date, there are no drugs that can prevent the development of T1D. Insulin replacement therapy is the standard care for patients with T1D. This treatment is life-saving, but is expensive, can lead to acute and long-term complications, and results in reduced overall life expectancy. This has stimulated the research and development of alternative treatments for T1D. In this review, we consider potential therapies for T1D using cellular regenerative medicine approaches with a focus on CRISPR/Cas-engineered cellular products. However, CRISPR/Cas as a genome editing tool has several drawbacks that should be considered for safe and efficient cell engineering. In addition, cellular engineering approaches themselves pose a hidden threat. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss novel strategies for the treatment of T1D using genome editing technology. A well-designed approach to β-cell derivation using CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technology will significantly reduce the risk of incorrectly engineered cell products that could behave as a "Trojan horse".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S. Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasiia O. Sosnovtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Svetlana V. Pylina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Asya N. Bastrich
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Darya A. Petrova
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Maxim A. Kovalev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anastasija I. Shuvalova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.K.); (A.O.S.); (M.A.K.); (A.I.S.)
| | - Anna K. Eremkina
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| | - Natalia G. Mokrysheva
- Endocrinology Research Centre, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.P.); (A.N.B.); (D.A.P.); (A.K.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee MH, Thomas JL, Lin CY, Li YCE, Lin HY. Nanoparticle-mediated CRISPR/dCas9a activation of multiple transcription factors to engineer insulin-producing cells. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:1866-1870. [PMID: 36789698 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02431d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Insulin may help to control blood glucose levels in diabetes; however, the long-term release of insulin is important for therapy. In this work, four guide RNAs (gRNA) for factors that promote specification and maturation of insulin-producing cells were synthesized: pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), protoendocrine factor (neurogenin 3, NGN3), NK6 homeobox 1 (NKX6.1), and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family A (MAFA). These gRNAs were used to form ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) with tracRNA and dCas9-VPR, and were then immobilized on magnetic peptide-imprinted chitosan nanoparticles, which enhanced transfection. The production and release of insulin from transfected cells were then measured using ELISA and staining with anti-insulin antibodies. The expression of the genes was evaluated using qRT-PCR; this was also used to investigate the cascade of additional transcriptional regulators. The magnitude and duration of insulin production were evaluated for single and repeated transfections (using different transfection schedules) to identify the most promising protocol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hwa Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
| | - James L Thomas
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chen Ethan Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yin Lin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 81148, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Challenges with Cell-based Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 19:601-624. [PMID: 36434300 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10482-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, lifelong metabolic disease. It is characterised by the autoimmune-mediated loss of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells in the islets of Langerhans (β-islets), resulting in disrupted glucose homeostasis. Administration of exogenous insulin is the most common management method for T1D, but this requires lifelong reliance on insulin injections and invasive blood glucose monitoring. Replacement therapies with beta cells are being developed as an advanced curative treatment for T1D. Unfortunately, this approach is limited by the lack of donated pancreatic tissue, the difficulties in beta cell isolation and viability maintenance, the longevity of the transplanted cells in vivo, and consequently high costs. Emerging approaches to address these limitations are under intensive investigations, including the production of insulin-producing beta cells from various stem cells, and the development of bioengineered devices including nanotechnologies for improving islet transplantation efficacy without the need for recipients taking toxic anti-rejection drugs. These emerging approaches present promising prospects, while the challenges with the new techniques need to be tackled for ultimately clinical treatment of T1D. This review discussed the benefits and limitations of the cell-based therapies for beta cell replacement as potential curative treatment for T1D, and the applications of bioengineered devices including nanotechnology to overcome the challenges associated with beta cell transplantation.
Collapse
|
4
|
Razavi M, Ren T, Zheng F, Telichko A, Wang J, Dahl JJ, Demirci U, Thakor AS. Facilitating islet transplantation using a three-step approach with mesenchymal stem cells, encapsulation, and pulsed focused ultrasound. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:405. [PMID: 32948247 PMCID: PMC7501701 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01897-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a three-step approach that utilizes the application of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs), encapsulation, and pulsed focused ultrasound (pFUS) to help the engraftment and function of transplanted islets. METHODS In step 1, islets were co-cultured with AD-MSCs to form a coating of AD-MSCs on islets: here, AD-MSCs had a cytoprotective effect on islets; in step 2, islets coated with AD-MSCs were conformally encapsulated in a thin layer of alginate using a co-axial air-flow method: here, the capsule enabled AD-MSCs to be in close proximity to islets; in step 3, encapsulated islets coated with AD-MSCs were treated with pFUS: here, pFUS enhanced the secretion of insulin from islets as well as stimulated the cytoprotective effect of AD-MSCs. RESULTS Our approach was shown to prevent islet death and preserve islet functionality in vitro. When 175 syngeneic encapsulated islets coated with AD-MSCs were transplanted beneath the kidney capsule of diabetic mice, and then followed every 3 days with pFUS treatment until day 12 post-transplantation, we saw a significant improvement in islet function with diabetic animals re-establishing glycemic control over the course of our study (i.e., 30 days). In addition, our approach was able to enhance islet engraftment by facilitating their revascularization and reducing inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that our clinically translatable three-step approach is able to improve the function and viability of transplanted islets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Razavi
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Regenerative Medicine and Imaging Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3155 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Biionix™ (Bionic Materials, Implants & Interfaces) Cluster, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Tanchen Ren
- Department of Radiology, Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine Laboratory (BAMM), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Fengyang Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Regenerative Medicine and Imaging Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3155 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Arsenii Telichko
- Department of Radiology, Dahl Ultrasound Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Regenerative Medicine and Imaging Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3155 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Jeremy J Dahl
- Department of Radiology, Dahl Ultrasound Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Department of Radiology, Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine Laboratory (BAMM), Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Avnesh S Thakor
- Department of Radiology, Interventional Regenerative Medicine and Imaging Laboratory, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3155 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bal T, Oran DC, Sasaki Y, Akiyoshi K, Kizilel S. Sequential Coating of Insulin Secreting Beta Cells within Multilayers of Polysaccharide Nanogels. Macromol Biosci 2018; 18:e1800001. [PMID: 29575787 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201800001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic islet transplantation has emerged as a promising treatment for type-1 diabetes (T1D); however, its clinical application is still limited by the life-long use of immunosuppressive drugs, insufficient number of islets to achieve normoglycemia, and large transplantation volume. This paper reports a unique approach for nanothin coating of insulin secreting beta cell aggregates. The coating is based on hydrophobic and covalent interactions between natural acrylate modified cholesterol bearing pullulan (CHPOA) nanogels and MIN6 beta cell aggregates. Beta cell aggregates are prepared as spheroids through hanging drop method, which is optimized with respect to hanging drop volume and initial number of beta cells. These aggregates, defined as pseudoislets, are coated with sequential layers of nanogels and are evaluated as viable and functional for insulin secretion. Coating experiments are carried out using physiologically compatible medium, where pseudoislets are not brought in contact with toxic prepolymer solutions used in existing approaches. This study offers new opportunities through coating of islets with advanced functional materials under completely physiological conditions for clinical translation of cell transplantation technology. The technique developed here will establish a new paradigm for creating tolerable grafts for other chronic diseases such as anemia, cancer, central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Bal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Koc University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilem Ceren Oran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Koc University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yoshihiro Sasaki
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 615-8510, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazunari Akiyoshi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, 615-8510, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Seda Kizilel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Koc University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Koc University, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barra JM, Tse HM. Redox-Dependent Inflammation in Islet Transplantation Rejection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:175. [PMID: 29740396 PMCID: PMC5924790 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that results in the progressive destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells inside the islets of Langerhans. The loss of this vital population leaves patients with a lifelong dependency on exogenous insulin and puts them at risk for life-threatening complications. One method being investigated to help restore insulin independence in these patients is islet cell transplantation. However, challenges associated with transplant rejection and islet viability have prevented long-term β-cell function. Redox signaling and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by recipient immune cells and transplanted islets themselves are key players in graft rejection. Therefore, dissipation of ROS generation is a viable intervention that can protect transplanted islets from immune-mediated destruction. Here, we will discuss the newly appreciated role of redox signaling and ROS synthesis during graft rejection as well as new strategies being tested for their efficacy in redox modulation during islet cell transplantation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Millette K, Georgia S. Gene Editing and Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Tools for Advancing Diabetes Disease Modeling and Beta-Cell Development. Curr Diab Rep 2017; 17:116. [PMID: 28980194 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-017-0947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will focus on the multiple approaches to gene editing and address the potential use of genetically modified human pluripotent stem cell-derived beta cells (SC-β) as a tool to study human beta-cell development and model their function in diabetes. We will explore how new variations of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing may accelerate our understanding of beta-cell developmental biology, elucidate novel mechanisms that establish and regulate beta-cell function, and assist in pioneering new therapeutic modalities for treating diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS Improvements in CRISPR/Cas9 target specificity and homology-directed recombination continue to advance its use in engineering stem cells to model and potentially treat disease. We will review how CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is informing our understanding of beta-cell development and expanding the therapeutic possibilities for treating diabetes and other diseases. Here we focus on the emerging use of gene editing technology, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, as a means of manipulating human gene expression to gain novel insights into the roles of key factors in beta-cell development and function. Taken together, the combined use of SC-β cells and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing will shed new light on human beta-cell development and function and accelerate our progress towards developing new therapies for patients with diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Millette
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Senta Georgia
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics and Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ryan AJ, O'Neill HS, Duffy GP, O'Brien FJ. Advances in polymeric islet cell encapsulation technologies to limit the foreign body response and provide immunoisolation. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 36:66-71. [PMID: 28865291 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Islet transplantation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is hampered by the shortage of donor tissue and the need for life-long immunosuppression. The engineering of materials to limit host immune rejection opens the possibilities of utilising allogeneic and even xenogeneic cells without the need for systemic immunosuppression. Here we discuss the most recent developments in immunoisolation of transplanted cells using advanced polymeric biomaterials, utilising macroscale to nanoscale approaches, to limit aberrant immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Ryan
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hugh S O'Neill
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Garry P Duffy
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
| | - Fergal J O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zullo A, Sommese L, Nicoletti G, Donatelli F, Mancini FP, Napoli C. Epigenetics and type 1 diabetes: mechanisms and translational applications. Transl Res 2017; 185:85-93. [PMID: 28552218 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an irreversible degenerative disease with severe complications such as heart disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Although exogenous insulin administration is a life-saving therapy, it does not cure the disease. This review addresses the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the development of T1D and discusses epigenetic-based strategies for prevention and treatment of the disease. We describe novel epigenetic biomarkers for the identification of susceptible individuals and the establishment of innovative therapies with epidrugs and cell therapy to regenerate the lost β-cells. Despite the wealth of promising data regarding the potential benefits of epigenetic tools to reduce the burden of T1D, clinical trials are still very few, and this issue needs to be resolved in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Zullo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy; CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
| | - Linda Sommese
- U.O.C. Clinical Immunology, Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology, Regional Reference Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Department of Internal and Specialty Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Nicoletti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Donatelli
- Cardiovascular Department, Chair of Cardiosurgery, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco P Mancini
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Claudio Napoli
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Geriatric Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cell based therapeutics in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Int J Pharm 2017; 521:346-356. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
11
|
Mouat IC, Morse ZJ, Jean-Baptiste VSE, Allanach JR, Horwitz MS. Fresh Ideas, Foundational Experiments (FIFE): Immunology and Diabetes 2016 FIFE Symposium. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:238. [PMID: 28974943 PMCID: PMC5610696 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The first Fresh Ideas, Foundational Experiments (FIFE): Immunology and Diabetes symposia workshop took place in 2016 and exemplified the active interest of a number of several investigators interested the global rise in the incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This increase does not correlate with genetic drift and indicates that environmental exposures are playing an increasingly significant role. Despite major biomedical and technological advances in diagnosis and treatment, treatments are frequently insufficient as they do not inhibit the progression of the underlying autoimmune response and often fail to prevent life-threatening complications. T1D is the result of autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, and the precise, mechanistic contribution of the immune system to disease pathogenesis and progression remains to be fully characterized. Ultimately, the combinatorial effect of concurrent factors, including beta cell fragility, exogenous stressors, and genetic priming of the innate and adaptive immune system, work together to induce T1D autoimmunity. Thus, T1D is the result of immunological defects and environmental pathogens, requiring the sustained attention of collaborative research teams such as FIFE: I & D with varied perspectives, unified by the universally held goal of finding a sustainable, life-long cure. Herein, the authors provide perspective on various fields in T1D research highlighted by speakers participating in the inaugural FIFE symposium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isobel C. Mouat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zachary J. Morse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Jessica R. Allanach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc S. Horwitz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marc S. Horwitz,
| |
Collapse
|