| abstract |
A method of treating a disease is provided that results from a deficiency of a biological factor which comprises administering to a mammal Sertoli cells and also cells that produce the biological factor. A method of treating diabetes mellitus is carried out by transplanting pancreatic islet of Langerhans cells in conjunction with Sertoli cells to create an immunologically privileged site. A method of creating an immunologically privileged site and providing cell stimulatory factors in a mammal for transplants is also carried out. A method of co-localizing islet cells with Sertoli cells and the use of the co-localized product for treating diabetes mellitus is further provided. Further described is a method of creating systemic tolerance to foreign antigens. A method of enhancing the viability, maturation, proliferation of functional capacity of cells in tissue culture is also provided. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising Sertoli cells and cells that produce a biological factor, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are further provided. |