Vascularized niche with local immune protection to transplant insulin-producing cells for Type 1 diabetes
Official title: Vascularized NICHE with local immunosuppression for cell replacement for Type 1 diabetes
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11550529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to transplant insulin-producing cells inside a vascularized pocket with local drug delivery to keep them alive and functioning without full-body immune suppression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $491,493 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DK133610-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11550529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with brittle Type 1 diabetes who may benefit from islet cell transplantation and are suitable for participation in preclinical/animal model studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for transplantation research or those with conditions contraindicating surgical implantation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops the NICHE, a subcutaneous, blood-vessel-rich device that protects transplanted islets by delivering immunosuppressants locally. The goal is long-term, reliable insulin production in Type 1 diabetes while avoiding the risks of systemic immunosuppressive therapy. The plan includes creating a fully vascularized cell reservoir separated by a nanoporous membrane and testing in nonhuman primates to show sustained glucose control. If successful, this could reduce daily care burdens and improve transplant longevity for people with brittle diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could achieve better blood sugar control with fewer side effects from systemic immunosuppression.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies suggest that vascularized, localized immunosuppression approaches can protect transplanted cells, but this NICHE concept remains novel and preclinical.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grattoni, Alessandro — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Grattoni, Alessandro
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving islet transplantation for Type 1 diabetes management
This study is exploring a new way to improve islet transplants for people with Type 1 diabetes by using a special system that helps protect the transplanted cells and reduces the need for strong medications, which could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for managing diabetes.
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Improving islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes with local immunosuppression
This study is exploring a new way to help people with type 1 diabetes by using a special device called the NICHE that supports transplanted islet cells, aiming to improve their success and help keep blood sugar levels stable.
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Technological and Educational Approaches to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness in Type 1 Diabetes
A two-arm study in adults with type 1 diabetes tests whether high-tech glucose control plus education or targeted training can help people regain awareness of low blood sugar.
-
Techniques for restoring awareness of low blood sugar in adults with type 1 diabetes
A randomized trial compares different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize when their blood sugar is dipping so they can act quickly.
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Treating impaired hypoglycemia awareness in type 1 diabetes with targeted education and technology
This study tests two treatment approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes who often don’t realize their blood sugar is getting too low, using a mix of technology and education in two large groups.
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Helping people with type 1 diabetes regain awareness of dangerous lows
A UK study tests two different approaches to help adults with type 1 diabetes recognize and respond to low blood sugar by comparing a high-tech insulin system with targeted education.
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.