“Immunoengineering a Cell-Based Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes” – Exonian Presents DPhil Research at the Royal Society of Chemistry

Exeter DPhil student Rea Tresa (2023, DPhil Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics) recently presented her research at the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge Symposium, hosted at the Royal Society of Chemistry. This initiative, a partnership between The Steve Morgan Foundation, Diabetes UK, and Breakthrough T1D, is investing £50 million into the most promising projects led by exceptional scientists to fast-track discoveries that will lead to life-changing new treatments and ultimately a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).  

T1D arises from an autoimmune attack on pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin – an essential hormone for allowing our body to use sugar (glucose) for energy. The loss of beta cells leaves patients unable to manage blood glucose, necessitating lifelong insulin injections. While beta cell transplantation has been explored, these approaches are hindered by donor shortage, rapid cell death and recurrent immune attacks, requiring chronic immunosuppression that increases the risk of cancer and other infections.  

In collaboration with scientists from the Stevens Group at Oxford and the Salem Lab at Imperial College London, Rea and colleagues are developing innovative strategies to replace the lost beta cells. Their approach involves using microfluidics to encapsulate stem-cell derived beta cells in protective materials that support cell longevity, enhance engraftment, and shield them from immune system attacks. This work offers hope for a future where patients with type 1 diabetes can achieve lasting independence from insulin injections and the burden of immunosuppression.