The operation was performed on a 42-year-old patient who has been suffering since the age of five, according to the website ‘Live Science.’ This achievement, considered the first of its kind in humans, opens new horizons for treating this chronic disease. The transplanted cells were modified using ‘CRISPR’ technology to avoid immune system attacks, eliminating the need for immunosuppressive drugs typically used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted cells, which can increase the risk of infections and other diseases.
The genetic modifications included reducing certain antigens used to recognize foreign cells while enhancing the production of CD47 protein, which inhibits the innate immune response. Although some unmodified cells were attacked, the modified cells successfully resisted this attack, highlighting the potential of this new approach.
It is noted that type 1 diabetes results from the immune system attacking the ‘islet cells’ of the pancreas responsible for insulin production, making patients reliant on daily injections and a strict diet. This study, described as a ‘proof of concept,’ is a promising step towards a revolutionary treatment that could change the lives of millions of diabetes patients, with ongoing research to improve and generalize this approach.
