Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived pancreatic islets represent a promising therapeutic approach for restoring insulin independence in type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, their clinical success remains critically dependent on overcoming rejection mediated by innate and adaptive immune responses. Current immunosuppressive therapies pose significant long-term risks and only partially control alloimmune and autoimmune reactions. Targeted immunomodulation using monoclonal antibodies is a safer, more precise alternative. Here, we explored the impacts of blocking CD276 (B7-H3) and CD155 (PVR), activating ligands involved in immune recognition and regulation, on the survival and in vivo maturation of iPSC-derived endocrine progenitors (EPs) into functional pancreatic islets. Using a humanized mouse model, we demonstrated that dual blockade of CD276 and CD155 markedly reduced NK cell-mediated graft rejection, prevented CD14 + monocyte activation, and limited overall immune infiltration. In addition, CD155 blockade increased PD-1 levels on activated CD8 + T cells and significantly enhanced regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion and function, thereby promoting graft tolerance. Combined treatment prolonged engraftment and facilitated the maturation of EPs into functional, insulin-secreting cells, as indicated by increased human C-peptide levels and glucose responsiveness 4 weeks post-transplantation. Our findings highlight CD276/CD155 blockade as a novel immunomodulatory strategy to support tolerance and the functional maturation of iPSC-derived pancreatic grafts in T1D.
Deambrogio et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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