Islet transplantation is regarded as the most promising treatment for
type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the function of grafted islet could be damaged on account of transplant rejection and/or
hypoxia several years later after
transplantation. We proposed a hypothetical functionalized
hydrogel model, which encapsulates sufficient A20 high-expressing islets and supporting cells, and performs as a drug release system releasing
immunosuppressants and
growth factors, to improve the outcome of pancreatic islet
transplantation. Once injected in vivo, the
hydrogel can gel and offer a robust mechanical structure for the A20 high-expressing islets and supporting cells. The natural
biomaterials (eg,
heparin) added into the
hydrogel provide adhesive sites for islets to promote islets' survival. Furthermore, the
hydrogel encapsulates various supporting cells, which can facilitate the vascularization and/or prevent the immune system attacking the islet graft. Based on the previous studies that generally applied one or two combined strategies to protect the function of islet graft, we designed this hypothetical multifunctional encapsulation
hydrogel model with various functions. We hypothesized that the islet graft could survive and maintain its function for a longer time in vivo compared with naked islets. This hypothetical model has a limitation in terms of clinical application. Future development work will focus on verifying the function and safety of this hypothetical
islet transplantation hydrogel model in vitro and in vivo.