Co-hosted by Georgia Tech's Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience and the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. 

Michael V. Sefton
University Professor Emeritus
University of Toronto

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ABSTRACT
β-cell replacement (BCR, e.g., stem cell derived or mature islet transplantation), via the portal vein, is a promising regenerative, curative treatment that would restore the body’s ability to regulate glucose without reliance on insulin injections, for the millions living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We have shown that by using MAA-PEG (poly(methacrylic acid-co-polyethylene glycol), 20 mol% MAA) as a vascular regenerative injectable hydrogel, the subcutaneous space becomes an attractive, minimally invasive site for pancreatic islet transplantation. Without the vessels induced by MAA-PEG, the avascular nature of the transplant site and its unique immune response normally precludes islet survival. MAA-PEG also modulates the immune response, so that many islets (but not all) withstand the hypoxia of the first few days before vessels form. Building on work by Babensee, we are focused on using tolerogenic dendritic cells to induce tolerance, while also taking another look at the key features of a host response that results in the generation of vessels and nerves, without fibrosis.

I will also introduce the concept of Regenerative Healing, derived from conversations with indigenous knowledge holders in Canada. This will lead into a discussion of public engagement and a highlighting of selected global challenges.

Faculty host: Alexander Vlahos