Suppose that someone comes up with a perfectly viable stem cell based method to create new beta cells. Even then, T1 diabetics have the problem that the immune system will kill the new cells off.
But, two things come to mind:
1) How long does it take the immune system to kill 80-90% of the cells? 2) Does the immune system "forget" an immune response over time? If so, is it possible that for long-term T1 diabetics, the immune response just isn't there anymore?
The reason I ask is because if for example it takes 5 years for 80-90% of the beta cells to be killed off, then a regular replenishment of beta cells does not sound too far fetched. If however the immune system kills the cells of quickly, it is pointless of course. Also, with replenishments, the immune system would be in constant attack mode, and I do not know if this can be problematic.
Does anybody know more?
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