©The Author(s) 2016. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Transplant. Mar 24, 2016; 6(1): 69-90
Published online Mar 24, 2016. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v6.i1.69
Published online Mar 24, 2016. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v6.i1.69
Survival of encapsulated islets: More than a membrane story
Uriel Barkai, Avi Rotem, Beta-O2 Technologies, Rosh HaAyin 4809900, Israel
Paul de Vos, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Immunoendocrinology, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
Author contributions: Barkai U, Rotem U and de Vos P wrote the paper.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Barkai U and Rotem A are employees of Beta-O2 Technologies; de Vos P has no financial conflicts of interest to declare.
Correspondence to: Uriel Barkai, PhD, Beta-O2 Technologies, 11 Amal St, POB 11793, Rosh HaAyin 4809900, Israel. u.barkai@beta-o2.com
Telephone: +972-03-9180700 Fax: +972-03-9180701
Received: August 24, 2015
Peer-review started: August 27, 2015
First decision: September 28, 2015
Revised: November 2, 2015
Accepted: December 18, 2015
Article in press: December 20, 2015
Published online: March 24, 2016
Processing time: 206 Days and 22.9 Hours
Peer-review started: August 27, 2015
First decision: September 28, 2015
Revised: November 2, 2015
Accepted: December 18, 2015
Article in press: December 20, 2015
Published online: March 24, 2016
Processing time: 206 Days and 22.9 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Replacing standard insulin therapy for patients with type I diabetics with a cell-based cure is yet to be achieved. Assuming unlimited supply of beta cells, allogeneic or xenogeneic cells should be separated from the host immune system by a permselective membrane that still allows insulin egress. In addition, a mandatory requirement for such a cure in a poorly oxygenated environment includes adequate oxygen supply. In addition, to optimize islet functionality, control over inflammation, cell apoptosis, angiogenesis, and the close environment of the transplanted cells must be accomplished.