Challenges of CRISPR/Cas-Based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: How Not to Engineer a “Trojan Horse”

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”.

CRISPR-Cas Systems and Genome Editing: Beginning the Era of CRISPR/Cas Therapies for Humans

“…Hryhorowicz et al comprehensively reviewed these drawbacks and discussed the development of improved genome editors for more efficient and safer applications in human gene therapy [41]. Karpov et al, in their comprehensive review, consider current approaches to the treatment of type 1 diabetes using cellular regenerative medicine approaches, with a focus on CRISPR/Cas-engineered cell products [42]. Special attention is given to the possible drawbacks of cellular and CRISPR/Cas-based technologies and how to overcome them.…”