Lentivirus Mediated Pancreatic Beta-Cell-Specific Insulin Gene Therapy for STZ-Induced Diabetes.

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells is the characteristic feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Consequently, both short- and intermediate-acting insulin analogs are under development to compensate for the lack of endogenous insulin gene expression. Basal insulin is continuously released at low levels in response to hepatic glucose output, while post-prandial insulin is secreted in response to hyperglycemia following a meal.

Lentiviral gene therapy vectors encoding VIP suppressed diabetes-related inflammation and augmented pancreatic beta-cell proliferation.

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas leading to hyperglycemia. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) manifests insulinotropic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are useful for the treatment of diabetes. Because of its limited half-life due to DPP-4-mediated degradation, constant infusions or multiple injections are needed to observe any therapeutic benefit.