Abstract
Islet transplantation is a potential cure for diabetes mellitus. The major problem for broad clinical application remains the prevention of transplant rejection without major side effects. Immunoisolation is an experimental strategy to prevent rejection by separating the transplanted cells from the host immune system using a barrier device. Current methods use artificial, not completely inert materials as barrier devices and induce an unwanted foreign-body (FB) reaction. Using the recipients of own cells for encapsulation, the FB reaction could be prevented. This study describes a new method of encapsulation of islets of Langerhans within a capsule of chondrocytes, which may serve as an immunoisolation barrier utilizing the immunoprivileged properties of the chrondrocyte matrix, and demonstrates the functional survival of the encapsulated islets in vitro.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pollok, JM., Begemann, JF., Kaufmann, P. et al. Long-term insulin-secretory function of islets of Langerhans encapsulated with a layer of confluent chondrocytes for immunoisolation. Pediatr Surg Int 15, 164–167 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003830050546
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003830050546