Researchers develop two part cellular therapy to protect insulin cells and potentially cure type 1 diabetes

Scientists pair lab grown insulin cells with engineered immune bodyguards to stop autoimmune attacks and cure type 1 diabetes without immunosuppressive drugs.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 5:39 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Medical University of South Carolina

A New Strategy for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are spearheading a million dollar effort to revolutionize the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Led by Leonardo Ferreira, the team is developing a therapy that combines stem cell science with advanced immunology to restore insulin production. The strategy focuses on rebuilding the body's ability to regulate blood sugar by introducing new insulin producing cells while simultaneously re engineering the immune system to ensure their survival.

The Autoimmune Challenge in Diabetes Care

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an autoimmune response where the body mistakenly destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. These cells are responsible for producing insulin, a hormone essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Without these cells, patients must rely on constant glucose monitoring and external insulin injections to avoid life threatening complications such as nerve damage, blindness, or coma. Current estimates suggest approximately 1.5 million Americans are living with this condition.

Engineered Immune Bodyguards for Beta Cells

A critical component of this new therapy involves modifying regulatory T cells, or Tregs, using chimeric antigen receptors. These engineered cells act as bodyguards that protect transplanted insulin cells from the patient's own immune system. By equipping the Tregs with a specific receptor that recognizes a protein on the surface of the lab grown beta cells, the researchers can guide the immune system to stand down. This lock and key mechanism prevents the autoimmune attack that typically destroys islet transplants.