Thrombospondin-1, CD47, and SIRPα display cell-specific molecular signatures in human islets and pancreata

CD47 is a cell surface receptor with two primary ligands, soluble thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and cell surface signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα). Both interactions provide checkpoints for immune cell activity. We determined that fresh human islets display CD47 and secrete TSP1. However, human islet endocrine cells lack SIRPα. These gene signatures are likely important given the increasing use of CD47 and SIRPα blocking molecules in individuals with cancer.