A silk-based encapsulation platform for pancreatic islet transplantation improves islet function in vivo

作者：Hamilton Diana C; Shih Hank H; Schubert Richard A; Michie Sara A; Staats Paul N; Kaplan David L; Fontaine Magali J^*

来源：Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 2017, 11(3): 887-895.

DOI：10.1002/term.1990

• cell encapsulation
• diabetes
• hydrogel
• immunomodulation
• islet
• mesenchymal stromal cell
• silk
• transplantation

The success of pancreatic islet (PI) transplantation is challenged by PI functional damage during the peritransplantation period. A silk-based encapsulation platform including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) was evaluated for islet cell delivery in vivo. Islet equivalents (IEQs) were transplanted into the epididymal fat pads of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Three PI combinations were tested: (A) co-encapsulated in silk with MSCs; (b) encapsulated in silk alone; or (c) pelleted. Blood glucose levels were monitored and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed upon return to euglycaemia. Grafts were removed for histology and cytokine content analysis. Mice with PI grafts in silk showed a prompt return to euglycaemia. IPGTT was significantly improved with PI in silk with MSCs, compared to PI in silk alone or pelleted. Both Th-1 and Th-2 cytokines were increased in PI grafts in silk, but Th1 cytokines were decreased significantly with PI and MSC coencapsulation. Histological analysis showed osteogenesis and chondrogenesis in the silk grafts containing MSCs. Future studies will evaluate MSC stability and function in vivo and improve silk biocompatibility for applications in islet transplantation.

• 出版日期2017-3