Immunophenotypic and functional analysis of Regulatory Lymphocytes in patients with Type 1 Diabetes treated with Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell transplantation (AHSCT)

• Grant number: 24/11683-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Carolina de Oliveira Rodrigues
• Grantee: Pietra Buratto de Santis
• Host Institution: Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto. Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da USP (HCMRP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is characterized by the destruction of ² cells in the pancreas, resulting in a deficiency in the production of insulin. The conventional treatment for T1D involves exogenous insulin replacement, a process that affects the patient's quality of life and does not fully prevent the development of chronic complications of the disease. In this scenario, the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (AHSCT) is an alternative therapy that promotes the renovation of the immune system, avoiding the complete destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Clinical results after TACTH show improvement, with increased production of endogenous insulin, allowing exogenous insulin injections to be suspended. However, most patients reactivate the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic ²-cells, with a decrease in endogenous insulin production, starting 48 months after TACTH. Mechanistic studies show that transplantation increases immune regulation and tolerance, but how this immune response correlates with clinical outcomes still requires investigation. The aim of the present study is to assess the immunological profile and function of regulatory T and B cells to better understand the role of these cell subpopulations in the maintenance of autoimmunity and efficacy of the AHSCT.