Researchers developed a lotus root-shaped cell-encapsulated construct (LENCON) and packaged it with human iPSC-derived pancreatic beta cells, which are an unlimited source of cells and allow any number of beta cells to be produced. The need for such an encapsulation technique arises from the fact that immune cells of the recipient could destroy the newly transplanted cells. To prevent this from happening, the researchers constructed the millimeter-thick LENCON transplant.
It has already been shown that the millimeter-thick graft diameters weaken the body’s immune response to a foreign body. At a millimeter thick, oxygen and nutrients could not be delivered to the center of the cells, but using a lotus root shape, the cells were only placed near the edge of the graft where oxygen and nutrients could diffuse sufficiently, creating an environment in which the cells could survive even in a millimeter-thick graft.
The researchers transplanted the construct into immunodeficient and immunocompetent diabetic mice. The former helped study the effectiveness of the graft in controlling blood sugar levels without an immune response, while the latter addressed both goals. The researchers found that LENCON was able to maintain normal blood sugar levels for more than 180 days in the former mice and could be removed without adhesion in the latter mice after more than a year of transplantation.
“These are remarkable results that show how LENCON can be used successfully and safely in type I diabetes mellitus. Our results suggest that LENCON could offer a novel option for cell therapy in type I diabetes mellitus, ”says the study’s lead author, Dr. Fumisato Ozawa.
