Since 1996, organ-threatening systemic
lupus erythematosus16 and other
autoimmune diseases17 have been successfully
treated with high-dose immunosuppression
followed by autologous
nonmyeloablative hematopoietic
stem cell transplantation (AHST). Organ
function was salvaged and in many
cases improved following AHST. In animal
models, allogeneic bone marrow
transplantation prevents both insulitis
and the development of type 1 DM
in susceptible strains of mice