In Work Package 3, we are studying the biological effects of light-activated treatment using both existing and the newly developed photosensitizer compounds of work package 2. We look closely into how this treatment affects beta cells, but also neighbouring tissue. To be able to use this therapy for CHI, we need to combine the right dose of photosensitizer with the right dose of light, in order to eliminate only hyperactive beta cells, while sparing the healthy tissue.
To study this, we use different models of increasing complexity in a step-wise manner: from cultured cells in the lab, to cultured pancreatic rat islets in the lab, to application in live animals. This allows us to get a complete picture of what happens to beta cells after therapy, how blood insulin levels are affected, and how the immune system reacts to the therapy. All of this information together helps to choose the optimal compound and doses for proceeding with clinical studies.
Quick links to other Work Packages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9