Stanford researchers have developed a new cell therapy that treats or prevents type 1 diabetes in mice using a combined transplant of blood stem cells and pancreatic islet cells from an immune-different donor[1][2]. This therapy creates a hybrid immune system that contains both donor and recipient cells, thereby stopping the autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells[1][2]. Prior to transplantation, they used a gentle preparation involving immune-targeted antibodies, a low dose of radiation, and a drug commonly used for autoimmune diseases, which allowed the successful formation of the hybrid immune system[1][2]. In the study, 19 out of 19 mice were protected from developing diabetes and 9 out of 9 mice with long-term diabetes were completely cured after transplantation[1][2]. The methods and drugs used are already commonly used in clinical practice, allowing a realistic transition to testing in humans with type 1 diabetes[1][2]. This approach could also change the treatment of other autoimmune diseases and improve the outcomes of organ transplants[1][2]. The research follows a previous study in 2022, which confirmed the possibility of restoring blood sugar control in mice using a similar protocol[1][2].