Type-1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic metabolic autoimmune disease where the patient's immune system destroys insulin-producing β-cells in the islet of Langerhans. The current treatment option is through frequent administration of exogenous insulin, where the patients must closely monitor the dosage. Patients often need islet transplantation when the β-cell destruction worsens, and the body cannot utilize exogenously administrated insulin. Islet transplantation is a form of cell therapy that could restore endogenous insulin production. However, this method has several drawbacks, including low survival of functional islets and allograft tissue immunogenicity. A recently emerging tissue engineering approach can offer a possible solution to address the limitations of islet transplantation. A 3D structure fabricated by simultaneously printing various cell types could improve the survival and function of islet grafts by providing revascularization and immune protection.
This project foc