Recently published data provides further support for a protocol to reverse type 1 diabetes in mice and new evidence that adult precursor cells from the spleen can contribute to the regeneration of beta cells. The new data from a study performed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides additional confirmation of the ability to reverse type 1 diabetes and on the role of the spleen cells in islet regeneration.

In the study, a substance that suppresses the activity of the killer T cells that destroy islets in type 1 diabetes, was given to non-obese diabetic mice. They also introduced donor spleen cells to retrain the immune system not to attack islets. The results of this two-step process not only halted the immune destruction caused by diabetes but also allowed the insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells to regenerate. The results of this study indicate almost a 100% reversal of diabetes in mice that also had another autoimmune disease affecting the moisture-producing glands called Sjogren's syndrome. The study also demonstrates the spleen's contribution to regeneration of not only the pancreas but also the salivary glands. The data shows that the later the stage of diabetes when the treatment is given, the greater chance of spleen cells found to play a role in regeneration of islets.

"This data from the NIH and the earlier studies have added significantly to the understanding of how diabetes may be reversed," says Denise Faustman, MD, PhD, "It is still early, but it appears that there are multiple potential sources for regenerating islets. As a research community we should pursue all avenues. We're excited to see what will happen in humans."