The mice used in the protocol were SCID mice [1]. They do not produce B or T lymphocytes (and thus no Ig either). Pretty much no adaptive immune system to speak of. These are a mainstay of murine study.
The discussion section referred to the existing technique of islet transplantation [2]. This is sourced from cadaver tissue, and as such requires immunosuppressants. Obviously needed to counteract host v. graft, but I wouldn't be surprised if it masked the autoimmune recognition.
The discussion section alludes to several future hurdles: gene expression differences from primary cell sources, transduction response, local tissue effects (need for tissue engineering), need to produce alpha, gamma, delta, and epsilon cells (alpha and gamma may be important to precise beta function), questions regarding long-term maintenance of phenotype, ...
Nevertheless, this is very exciting! Stem cell researchers are truly hackers in every sense. The results here aren't only applicable to diabetes research, either. Patients aren't the only ones that need these cells.
The discussion section referred to the existing technique of islet transplantation [2]. This is sourced from cadaver tissue, and as such requires immunosuppressants. Obviously needed to counteract host v. graft, but I wouldn't be surprised if it masked the autoimmune recognition.
The discussion section alludes to several future hurdles: gene expression differences from primary cell sources, transduction response, local tissue effects (need for tissue engineering), need to produce alpha, gamma, delta, and epsilon cells (alpha and gamma may be important to precise beta function), questions regarding long-term maintenance of phenotype, ...
Nevertheless, this is very exciting! Stem cell researchers are truly hackers in every sense. The results here aren't only applicable to diabetes research, either. Patients aren't the only ones that need these cells.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_combined_immunodeficienc...
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islet_cell_transplantation