On the path to a diabetes cure: a critical appraisal of developments in pancreatic beta cell encapsulation and implantation

Abstract

Microencapsulation of β-cells is a rapidly growing field that offers broad potential for the therapy and possible cure of diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, thanks to the immunization of the engrafted tissue that increases its long-term efficacy and decreases the risk of immunogenicity. Despite the promising results obtained in human and animal studies, important challenges need to be addressed. The structure and composition of the microspheres and the site where they are implanted can affect the effectiveness of the treatment, and associated immunogenicity problems have been reported. To improve the safety of the encapsulated islet graft system, new efforts are being made in the bioengineering of the capsules and the production of insulin-producing cells within the capsular membranes. These critical advances in cell encapsulation technology are expected to enable broader and more effective human application of this system. In this review, the great potential of encapsulated pancreatic islet transplantation to provide a cure for type 1 diabetes is highlighted. The advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic strategy are also outlined, as well as key advances made in cellular microencapsulation research for treating diabetes.