The role and mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells in immunomodulation of type 1 diabetes mellitus and its complications: recent research progress and challenges: a review.

Abstract

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells are of great interest because of their multipotency, immune modulation capacity, and tissue and vascular regeneration effects. They are used in treating type 1 diabetes mellitus, helping improve the pancreatic environment and insulin secretion. Type 1 diabetes mellitus predominantly affects children and adolescents, with early onset and a prolonged course that can lead to multiorgan complications and related disorders. Studies using mesenchymal stem cells to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus have yielded promising results. This review discusses the common animal models of type 1 diabetes mellitus, mesenchymal stem cell immunotherapy mechanisms, and combined diabetes treatments. Its purpose is to summarize the current evidence on mesenchymal stem cell use in type 1 diabetes, providing insights for further research directions.

Main findings: Current studies show that mesenchymal stem cells play an active role in the treatment of type 1 diabetes; however, clinical trials remain rare, necessitating more basic and preclinical research to identify optimal treatments.

Conclusions: Mesenchymal stem cells can treat type 1 diabetes through a variety of immune mechanisms and also play a positive role in the treatment of type 1 diabetes complications. At the same time, it can be combined with other therapies to play a better therapeutic role.