FURI | Spring 2025

H&E Analysis of Immune Responses to Xenotransplanted Trophoblasts

Islet transplantation, a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, still requires the use of immunosuppressive medications, which can increase the risk of medical complications and infections. To prevent the need for immunosuppressants and prevent immune rejection of the transplant, this research looks into the use of trophoblast cells from placentas as a tool to create immune tolerance, as trophoblast cells create immune tolerance between mother and fetus. Using trophoblasts to protect islets during transplantation from immune rejection could increase the accessibility of the method as a cure for type 1 diabetes.