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Development and trend of stem cell therapy for diabetes: a comprehensive review based on knowledge visualization
Xinyu Huang1, Qingguang Chen1, Hao Lu1
1Department of Endocrinology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Immunology
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Stem cell therapy shows promise for diabetes treatment by replacing cells or modulating the immune system. Research highlights regulatory T cells, macrophage polarization, and exosomes as key immunological areas for future advancements.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes involves autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
- Type 2 diabetes is linked to chronic low-grade systemic inflammation.
- Stem cell therapy offers potential for diabetes treatment via cell replacement and immunomodulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of stem cell therapy for diabetes.
- To map the knowledge structure, evolutionary trajectory, and immunological landscape of the field.
- To identify research hotspots and future development trends.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of 1,600 publications (1995-2025) from Web of Science Core Collection.
- Utilized CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the 'bibliometrix' R package.
- Examined country/institution/author distribution, co-citation networks, keyword bursts, and cluster analysis.
Main Results:
- The field evolved through four stages: concept validation, immune intervention breakthrough, beta-cell differentiation explosion, and complication-oriented expansion.
- Cell replacement and immunomodulation are core therapeutic paradigms.
- Immunology hotspots include regulatory T cells, macrophage polarization, and exosomes; mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes show significant potential.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy for diabetes is advancing towards refined cell engineering and understanding beta-cell maturation.
- Future research will focus on immune evasion technologies, biocompatible materials, and local immunomodulation.
- Integrating cell biology, immunology, genetic engineering, and clinical medicine is crucial for safer, more effective, and universally applicable diabetes therapies.
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