Accessory cells for beta cell transplantation

Despite recent advances, insulin therapy remains a treatment, not a cure, for diabetes mellitus with persistent risk of glycemic alterations and life-threatening complications. Restoration of the endogenous beta cell mass through regeneration or transplantation offers an attractive alternative. Unfortunately, signals that drive beta cell regeneration remain enigmatic and beta cell replacement therapy still faces major hurdles that prevent its widespread application. Co-transplantation of accessory non-islet cells with islet cells has been shown to improve the outcome of experimental islet transplantation. This review will highlight current travails in beta cell therapy and focuses on the potential benefits of accessory cells for islet transplantation in diabetes.