Vascularized composite allograft tolerance across MHC barriers in a large animal model

Leonard, D. A. et al. (2014) Vascularized composite allograft tolerance across MHC barriers in a large animal model. American Journal of Transplantation, 14(2), pp. 343-355. (doi: 10.1111/ajt.12560) (PMID:24405666) (PMCID:PMC3971524)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation can restore form and function following severe craniofacial injuries, extremity amputations or massive tissue loss. The induction of transplant tolerance would eliminate the need for long‐term immunosuppression, realigning the risk–benefit ratio for these life‐enhancing procedures. Skin, a critical component of VCA, has consistently presented the most stringent challenge to transplant tolerance. Here, we demonstrate, in a clinically relevant miniature swine model, induction of immunologic tolerance of VCAs across MHC barriers by induction of stable hematopoietic mixed chimerism. Recipient conditioning consisted of T cell depletion with CD3‐immunotoxin, and 100 cGy total body irradiation prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and a 45‐day course of cyclosporine A. VCA transplantation was performed either simultaneously to induction of mixed chimerism or into established mixed chimeras 85–150 days later. Following withdrawal of immunosuppression both VCAs transplanted into stable chimeras (n = 4), and those transplanted at the time of HCT (n = 2) accepted all components, including skin, without evidence of rejection to the experimental end point 115–504 days posttransplant. These data demonstrate that tolerance across MHC mismatches can be induced in a clinically relevant VCA model, providing proof of concept for long‐term immunosuppression‐free survival.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leonard, Dr David
Authors: Leonard, D. A., Kurtz, J. M., Mallard, C., Albritton, A., Duran-Struuck, R., Farkash, E. A., Crepeau, R., Matar, A., Horner, B. M., Randolph, M. A., Sachs, D. H., Huang, C. A., and Cetrulo Jr., C. L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:American Journal of Transplantation
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1600-6135
ISSN (Online):1600-6143
Published Online:25 October 2013

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record