Immunomodulation Followed by Antigen-Specific T Infusion Controls Islet Autoimmunity.

Optimal immune-based therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D) should restore self-tolerance without inducing chronic immunosuppression. CD4Foxp3 regulatory T cells (T) are a key cell population capable of facilitating durable immune tolerance. However, clinical trials with expanded T in T1D and solid-organ transplant recipients are limited by poor T engraftment without host manipulation.

Adoptive T Regulatory Cell Therapy for Tolerance Induction.

There is a clear need to develop strategies to induce tolerance without the need of chronic immunosuppression in transplant recipient and in patients with autoimmunity. Adoptive T regulatory cell (T) therapy offers the potential of long-lasting protection. However, based on results of clinical trials so far with expanded autologous T in type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients, it seems unlikely that single immunotherapy with T infusion without immunomodulation regimens that promote stable donor T engraftment and persistence would afford truly significant clinical benefit.