Microencapsulation in Clinical Islet Xenotransplantation

Allogeneic islet transplantation has become a viable treatment for patients with unstable type 1 diabetes; however, donor shortage and the necessity for immunosuppressive drugs are the major drawbacks of this approach. Microencapsulated porcine islet xenotransplantation could solve these drawbacks. Clinical porcine islet xenotransplantation as well as microencapsulated islet transplantation has been conducted without significant side effects. However, these transplantations are not as efficacious as allogeneic naked islet transplantation. High quality porcine islets, biocompatible capsules, and appropriate implant sites should be the key factors for improving efficacy. With improved efficacy, microencapsulated islet xenotransplantation will solve the major drawbacks associated with current islet transplantation.