A T cell is a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that plays an important role in immunity. They are name T cells because they mature in the thymus, an organ of the immune system.
Theoretically, the idea is that T regs will regulate T effector cells, which in turn would stop insulin-producing cell destruction.
A recent treatment for type 1 diabetes has captured the attention of the FDA. It consists of raising the number of T cells in the body. Dubbed the CLBS03 treatment, it clones T cells form the patient to increase their numbers and combat type 1 diabetes. T cell attack is what destroys insulin-producing cells, so this approach may sound illogical. However, the T cells in this treatment (T regs) control the T effector cells, which are the one responsible for attacking the body in autoimmune diseases. Theoretically, the idea is that T regs will regulate T effector cells, which in turn would stop insulin-producing cell destruction.
This ingenious treatment is being developed by Stanford health, in collaboration with Caladrius Biosciences, a biotechnology company.
In fact, it is so ingenious that it currently has a Fast Track status bestowed by federal regulators. This designation makes the approval process go faster and smoother, which means it can be available sooner for those who need it.
In previous phase I studies, the drug showed that treatment undisturbed the function of insulin-producing cells and reduced insulin requirements. Now that it has passed that phase, it is now in phase II studies being tested in 111 teens with type 1 diabetes. To know more about how to enroll in this study, visit the Stanford Health website.
This is a very promising development indeed.
