Haval Shirwan
University of Louisville, USA
Title: Targeted deletion of pathogenic T effector cells as a robust means of allograft tolerance
Biography
Biography: Haval Shirwan
Abstract
Transplantation of pancreatic islets as a source of beta cells producing insulin has proven effective in improving metabolic control/quality of life and preventing severe hypoglycemic events in patients with type 1 diabetes. Rejection of islets mediated by T cells is a major limitation of clinical islet transplantation, which is presently controlled by standard immunosuppression. Chronic use of immunosuppression is not only ineffective in controlling rejection, but also has various side effects compromising the life quality of graft recipients. Therefore, there is an acute need for the development of targeted immunomodulatory approaches that have efficacy and safety features. Inasmuch as T effector cells are the major culprit of allograft rejection and their pathogenic function is controlled by T regulatory cells, we have recently developed novel forms of immune ligands to target pathogenic T cells for physical elimination, while simultaneously expanding protective T regulatory cells. The application of this concept to pancreatic islet grafts for the treatment of diabetes will be discussed.