How Cord-Derived Stem Cells May Help Restore a Key Immune Cell Missing in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. One reason this happens is that a critical group of immune cells—called T regulatory cells, or Tregs—are reduced in number and function in people with Type 1 diabetes. Tregs normally act as peacekeepers, telling other immune cells to stand down and preventing autoimmune attacks. When Tregs are scarce or weakened, that immune brake fails.

Researchers have long been interested in finding ways to restore or repair Tregs in people with Type 1 diabetes. A new study examined whether cells from umbilical cord tissue could help do this job.

Scientists isolated Tregs from the blood of both healthy people and patients with Type 1 diabetes. They then placed these Tregs in culture with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (WJ-MSCs)—a type of stem cell found in the tissue surrounding the umbilical cord. Some Tregs were co-cultured with the WJ-MSCs in direct contact, while others were separated by a barrier that allowed chemical messages to pass through but prevented physical touching. A control group of Tregs was cultured alone.

Over seven days, the researchers measured how the Tregs changed by looking at cell numbers, gene expression, and the production of important immune proteins.

The results revealed that WJ-MSCs helped reprogram Tregs through two different mechanisms. When Tregs and WJ-MSCs were in direct contact, especially in samples from Type 1 diabetes patients, the expression of FOXP3—a master gene that keeps Tregs functioning as immune peacekeepers—increased notably. This suggests that physical contact sends a signal that reinforces Treg stability and identity.

When Tregs and WJ-MSCs were separated but could still exchange chemical signals, a different process took over: indirect coculture predominantly boosted the production of IL-10, a powerful anti-inflammatory molecule. IL-10 helps calm the overall immune response, creating what researchers described as a 'potent anti-inflammatory microenvironment.'

The study also noted that direct coculture in the Type 1 diabetes group increased TNF-α expression, a pro-inflammatory molecule, suggesting the immune response remains complex and multifaceted under these conditions.

The researchers concluded that WJ-MSCs function as 'reprogrammers' of damaged Tregs rather than simply as cell factories that multiply them. This distinction is important: the cells are not just boosting Treg numbers, but actively restoring their suppressive function through different biological pathways.

This work is early-stage laboratory research. It does not yet represent a treatment or show how this approach would work in living patients. However, it opens a new direction for understanding how cell-based therapies might help restore immune balance in Type 1 diabetes by targeting the root problem: the loss of functional immune regulation.

Source: Cytotherapy. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.