Research

Project 1: Polyclonal IgM for Type 1 Diabetes

The team has demonstrated that IgM therapy can prevent, halt, and even reverse Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) while also prolonging islet graft survival. They have identified key mechanisms involving regulatory T cell induction and beta cell recovery, and have optimized IgM for clinical translation. This work has been supported by multiple grants and published in high-impact journals.

Project 2: Ultra-sensitive Proteomics for T1D Prediction and Treatment Efficacy

The team applied proteomics to identify biomarkers that predict the onset, recurrence, and therapeutic efficacy of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). They integrated human and animal data with bioinformatics to enable translational applications. This research has been supported by Department of Defense and foundation grants and has been presented at national and international conferences. It has also resulted in a patent filing and ongoing manuscript submissions. In addition, the team is conducting a microbiome project to identify microbial signatures predictive of Type 1 Diabetes.

Project 3a & 3b: The Role of IL-13 & Adenosine A2A Receptor Agonists in Enhancing Islet Transplantation Outcomes

Project 3a: The Role of IL-13 in Enhancing Islet Transplantation Outcomes
The team investigated IL-13 as an immunomodulator to enhance graft survival in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) transplantation models. Their studies demonstrated improved engraftment, increased immune tolerance, and reduced inflammation. They have filed a provisional patent and presented these findings at major scientific conferences. Ongoing mechanistic studies continue to explore the specific actions of IL-13.

Project 4: Establishing the BSL3 Facility for COVID-19 Research

The team co-developed and secured funding for UVA’s BSL3 core and SARS-CoV-2 animal models. They led preclinical studies evaluating IgM and A2AR agonist therapies in both healthy and diabetic models. Their work has resulted in published findings, filed patents, and collaborations across multiple institutions. The current focus includes advancing IgM immunotherapy in high-risk diabetic COVID-19 models.

Project 5a & 5b: Biomaterial Scaffolds for Islet Cell Survival

Project 5a : Dual Immunomodulatory Scaffold for Beta Cell Survival
The team developed MAP gel–based scaffolds to enhance islet graft survival and promote immune tolerance. They also created IL-33–functionalized MAP platforms designed to reduce inflammation and expand regulatory T cells. This work has been supported by joint grants, peer-reviewed publications, and a provisional patent. Future studies will explore the use of stem cell–derived insulin-producing cells within MAP scaffolds.

Project 6: Human Islet Isolation for Type 1 Diabetes Transplantation

The team contributed to an FDA-approved IND protocol for human islet isolation under GMP standards. They ensured quality control through rigorous viability, function, and safety assays. Their work has supported clinical islet transplantation and a range of translational research applications. These efforts have resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications that advance Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) therapy.

Project 7: Lacritin Project for Beta Cell Proliferation in Type 1 Diabetes

The team is identifying the role of Lacripep and its analogs in preventing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and promoting islet transplantation. This work is supported by several grants and a patent.