Targeting specific cells in the pancreas to improve Type 1 diabetes treatment
Official title: Engineering Human T Regulatory Cells with Chimeric Antigen Receptor Targeting NTPDase3 on the Surface of β cells for Type 1 Diabetes Control
Funded at Sanford Research/usd · NIH-11133575 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy for people with Type 1 diabetes that uses specially designed immune cells to help protect the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which could lead to better diabetes management and control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Research/usd NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sioux Falls, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI177861-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133575 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes who have experienced a decline in beta cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 2 diabetes or those who do not have a functional immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of therapy for Type 1 diabetes by engineering regulatory T cells (Tregs) that specifically target pancreatic beta cells. The approach involves creating Tregs that carry special receptors designed to recognize a unique marker on beta cells, allowing them to suppress the immune response that damages these cells. By enhancing the function of Tregs through this targeted method, the research aims to preserve beta cell function and improve overall diabetes management. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment that could lead to better control of their diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking therapy that helps preserve pancreatic beta cell function in patients with Type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials involving the adoptive transfer of Tregs have shown promising results, indicating that this approach may be effective in managing Type 1 diabetes.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Research/usd
Sioux Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Savinov, Alexei Yurievitch — Sanford Research/usd
- Study coordinator: Savinov, Alexei Yurievitch
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Understanding how hypoglycemia awareness changes in adults with type 1 diabetes and how automated insulin delivery and exercise might help restore it
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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.