Manipulating the balance of effector and regulatory T cells to promote islet xenograft survival [ 2014 - 2018 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Peter Cowan (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Mark Nottle ,  Prof Wayne Hawthorne

Brief description Type 1 diabetes destroys the body’s insulin-producing cells (islets), resulting in high blood sugar levels and the prospect of devastating complications. Replacement of islets by transplantation is the only way to restore normal blood sugar control, but (i) is limited by the shortage of human donors and (ii) carries risks associated with anti-rejection drugs. This project aims to solve both problems by using humanized pigs as donors combined with a novel approach to inducing tolerance to the transplanted islets.

Funding Amount $AUD 1,542,601.56

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant