Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine have developed a lipid nanoparticle system capable of delivering mRNA to insulin-producing beta cells, delaying progression of Type 1 diabetes.
In proof-of-concept experiments, the team used nanoparticles made of four lipids to deliver mRNA encoding PD-L1, a cell surface protein that limits immune system activity. The approach prompted increased PD-L1 expression in both mouse and human beta cells and showed potential translational relevance in a model in which human beta cells were transplanted into mice, according to a Feb. 20 university news release.
The study, published Feb. 20 in Cell Reports Medicine, created two versions of the nanoparticles: one tagged with a peptide targeting GLP-1 receptors on beta cells and one without the peptide. Both enriched PD-L1 expression in vitro, with the GLP-1-tagged version performing slightly better in mice.
The study, supported by Breakthrough T1D and the National Institutes of Health, suggests targeted mRNA delivery could preserve functional beta cells before full disease onset, offering a potential new strategy to protect insulin production without broadly suppressing the immune system.
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