Islet transplant coating to protect insulin-producing cells
Official title: Islet encapsulation to elicit localized immunosuppression and immune modulation following transplantation
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11382143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a new coating for transplanted insulin-producing cells to shield them from the immune system and improve survival in Type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,141,840 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DK131716-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Type 1 diabetes who may be candidates for islet transplantation could benefit in the future.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not pursuing islet transplantation or whose condition does not involve islet loss may not benefit.
What this research studies
In Type 1 diabetes, the body attacks insulin-producing cells. This project tests a protective coating on transplanted islets, using a pre-vascularized subcutaneous site and a special TA/PVPON/CTLA-4-Ig coating to reduce immune attack. The aim is to keep the transplanted cells functioning longer while lowering the need for strong immunosuppressive drugs. Mouse and humanized models will be used to see if this approach can delay graft rejection and improve outcomes for people with diabetes. If successful, this could move toward safer, longer-lasting islet transplantation options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have longer-lasting insulin-producing cell grafts with fewer immunosuppressive side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches face immune rejection; this study explores a novel protective coating that may improve graft survival.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tse, Hubert M — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tse, Hubert M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.