Delayed revascularization of islets after transplantation by IL‐6 blockade in pig to non‐human primate islet xenotransplantation model

Background Pancreatic islet transplantation is currently proven as a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes patients with labile glycemic control and severe hypoglycemia unawareness. Upon islet transplantation, revascularization is essential for proper functioning of the transplanted islets. As IL-6 is important for endothelial cell survival and systemic inflammation related to xenograft, the effect of IL-6 receptor antagonist, tocilizumab on revascularization of the transplanted islets was examined in pig to nonhuman primate islet xenotransplantation model. Also, the endothelial cell origin in a new vessel of the transplanted pig islets was determined.