Islet xenotransplantation

Abstract

Islet transplantation is an effective treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, but the shortage of donors is a problem. To solve this problem, porcine islets have been widely studied as an alternative cell source. This paper focuses on recent advances in porcine islet transplantation, especially transgenic porcine, islet encapsulation, and biological safety. So far, genetic modifications aimed at reducing the immunogenicity of porcine islet cells, prolonging the survival time of grafts, and improving insulin secretory function have been reported. Microencapsulation or macroencapsulation of porcine islets may suppress rejection with little or no immunosuppression. In addition, the risk of endogenous retrovirus infection in pigs is considered low due to the absence of infection in some clinical and preclinical studies. Appropriate pig selection, pathogen screening, and quality control can improve the safety and efficacy of porcine islet transplantation in future clinical trials, and porcine islet transplantation is expected to be put into practical use thereafter.