Pluripotent stem cell replacement approaches to treat type 1 diabetes

Stem cells represent a potential candidate for β cell replacement in type 1 diabetes. Pluripotent stem cells are able to differentiate in vitro into functional insulin producing cells, that can restore normoglycemia in diabetic mice. Clinical trials with embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic progenitors are ongoing. Besides, induced pluripotent stem cells offer the chance of personalized cell therapy. So far, transition to the clinic still needs to face critical issues, such as immunogenicity and safety of stem cell derived β cells. To this purpose, new strategies for immunoprotection, including micro and macro-encapsulation, but also gene editing approaches, are being explored.