Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7013
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2157-7013
+44 1300 500008
Claudia Palena
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Cell Sci Ther
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that results in a shortage of islet β cells. Control of autoimmunity is the top priority for T1D treatment. We identifi ed a novel type of stem cell from cord blood, designated cord blood-derived multipotent stem cells (CB-SC), which display embryonic stem (ES) cell characteristics. Animal data revealed that CB- SC can function as an immune modulator that can lead to control of autoimmune responses, which could in turn be used as a new approach to overcome the autoimmunity of T1D in patients. To translate this technology into clinics, we invented a device Stem Cell Educator that is optimized for CB-SC culture and clinical treatment via connecting with Blood Cell Separator. In collaboration with a medical center in China, Phase I clinical trial (n = 19) has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of Stem Cell Educator therapy. Ongoing studies have confi rmed that T1D patients (n = 9) receiving Educator therapy experienced improvement of metabolic control, a marked reduction of HbA1c values, decreasing insulin doses, and increasing baseline C-peptide values. Additionally, immune characterizations have revealed the reversal of autoimmunity of T1D, the restoration of Th 1/Th 2 cytokine balance, the marked up-regulation of Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood. Th e whole procedure is simple, safe and very cost-eff ective. Th us, our fi ndings have the potential for enormous clinical impact on T1D, by paving the way toward the development of novel Stem Cell Educator therapy to reverse diabetes in T1D patients.
Dr. Yong Zhao has completed his M.D. and Ph.D from Shanghai Second Military Medical University (China) and postdoctoral studies from University of Chicago. He identi fi ed novel type of stem cells from human umbilical cord blood. He own 8 patents. He has published more than 25 papers in peer-reviewed manuscript.