The JDF Center for Islet Cell Transplantation will fund 32 researchers to focus on four main goals: Reversing the overactive immune response that kills islet cells; finding new sources for islet cell transplants, such as pigs or genetically engineered cells; persuading the body to accept the transplanted cells without immunosuppressive drugs that often trigger worse side effects than the disease; and overcoming the technical difficulties of transplantation. (sciencemag.org)
Their test also revealed evidence of dying β cells in the blood of people who had received islet cell transplants — a potential sign of immune rejection of the islets. (sciencemag.org)
Jenkins underwent three islet cell transplants at City of Hope and today is considered diabetes free. (cityofhope.org)