Our research focuses on characterizing immune cells and vascular cell components that favor pancreatic tissue engraftment at transplantation sites. Specifically, we are interested in identifying survival, proliferative and or maturation signals that vascular cells and leukocytes may deliver to pancreatic islet cells or their progenitors. Knowledge gained from this research may help to define the best possible transplant microenvironment supporting engraftment of islet tissue and possibly unveil novel cellular signals that can influence the maturational program of pancreatic islet progenitors. This line of studies has a direct impact on islet cell replacement strategies as treatment for patients with Type 1 diabetes.