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Anggelia MR, Cheng HY, Lai PC, Hsieh YH, Lin CH, Lin CH. Cell Therapy in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation. Biomed J 2022; 45:454-464. [PMID: 35042019 PMCID: PMC9422067 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Allograft rejection is one of the obstacles in achieving a successful vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Treatments of graft rejection with lifelong immunosuppression (IS) subject the recipients to a lifelong risk of cancer development and opportunistic infections. Cell therapy has recently emerged as a promising strategy to modulate the immune system, minimize immunosuppressant drug dosages, and induce allograft tolerance. In this review, the recent works regarding the use of cell therapy to improve allograft outcomes are discussed. The current data supports the safety of cell therapy. The suitable type of cell therapy in allotransplantation is clinically dependent. Bone marrow cell therapy is more suitable for the induction phase, while other cell therapies are more feasible in either the induction or maintenance phase, or for salvage of allograft rejection. Immune cell therapy focuses on modulating the immune response, whereas stem cells may have an additional role in promoting structural regenerations, such as nerve regeneration. Source, frequency, dosage, and route of cell therapy delivery are also dependent on the specific need in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madonna Rica Anggelia
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yun Cheng
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chin Lai
- The Kidney Institute and Division of Nephrology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Huan Hsieh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Epworth Eastern Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chih-Hung Lin
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hung Lin
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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A systematic review of immunomodulatory strategies used in skin-containing preclinical vascularized composite allotransplant models. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021; 75:586-604. [PMID: 34895853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute rejection remains a vexing problem in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Available immunosuppressive regimens are successful at minimizing alloimmune response and allowing VCA in humans. However, repeated rejection episodes are common, and systemic side effects of the current standard regimen (Tacrolimus, MMF, Prednisone) are dose limiting. Novel immunomodulatory approaches to improve allograft acceptance and minimize systemic toxicity are continuously explored in preclinical models. We aimed to systematically summarize past and current approaches to help guide future research in this complex field. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of manuscripts listed in the MEDLINE and PubMed databases. For inclusion, articles had to primarily investigate the effect of a therapeutic approach on prolonging the survival of a skin-containing preclinical VCA model. Non-VCA studies, human trials, anatomical and feasibility studies, and articles written in a language other than English were excluded. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS The search retrieved 980 articles of which 112 articles were ultimately included. The majority of investigations used a rat model. An orthotopic hind limb VCA model was used in 53% of the studies. Cell and drug-based approaches were investigated 58 and 52 times, respectively. We provide a comprehensive review of immunomodulatory strategies used in VCA preclinical research over a timeframe of 44 years. CONCLUSION We identify a transition from anatomically non-specific to anatomical models mimicking clinical needs. As limb transplants have been most frequently performed, preclinical research focused on using the hind limb model. We also identify a transition from drug-based suppression therapies to cell-based immunomodulation strategies.
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Jundziłł A, Klimczak A, Sonmez E, Brzezicki G, Siemionow M. The Positive Impact of Donor Bone Marrow Cells Transplantation into Immunoprivileged Compartments on the Survival of Vascularized Skin Allografts. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2021; 69:28. [PMID: 34633538 PMCID: PMC8505373 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-021-00631-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Using the vascularized skin allograft (VSA) model, we compared the tolerogenic effects of different allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) delivery routes into immunoprivileged compartments under a 7-day protocol immunosuppressive therapy. Twenty-eight fully MHC mismatched VSA transplants were performed between ACI (RT1a) donors and Lewis (RT11) recipients in four groups of seven animals each, under a 7-day protocol of alfa/beta TCRmAb/CsA (alpha/beta-TCR monoclonal antibodies/Cyclosporine A therapy). Donor bone marrow cells (BMC) (100 × 106 cells) were injected into three different immunoprivileged compartments: Group 1: Control, without cellular supportive therapy, Group 2: Intracapsular BMT, Group 3: Intragonadal BMT, Group 4: Intrathecal BMT. In Group 2, BMC were transplanted under the kidney capsule. In Group 3, BMC were transplanted into the right testis between tunica albuginea and seminiferous tubules, and in Group 4, cells were injected intrathecally. The assessment included: skin evaluation for signs and grade of rejection and immunohistochemistry for donor cells engraftment into host lymphoid compartments. Donor-specific chimerism for MHC class I (RT1a) antigens and the presence of CD4+/CD25+ T cells were assessed in the peripheral blood of recipients. The most extended allograft survival, 50–78 days, was observed in Group 4 after intrathecal BMT. The T cells CD4+/CD25+ in the peripheral blood were higher after intrathecal BMC injection than other experimental groups at each post-transplant time point. Transplantation of BMC into immunoprivileged compartments delayed rejection of fully mismatched VSA and induction of robust, donor-specific chimerism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Jundziłł
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell and Tissue Bank, Ludwik Rydygier Medical College, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aleksandra Klimczak
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erhan Sonmez
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Katip Çelebi Üniversity, Atatürk Training Hospital, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Grzegorz Brzezicki
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Maria Siemionow
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Orthopaedics, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Surgery, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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Chen Y, Huang S, Chen C, Lim L, Lu P, Hou Y, Fu Y, Chen C, Kuo Y. Topical tacrolimus and steroids modulate T cells in acute rejection of hand allotransplantation: Two case reports. Microsurgery 2020; 40:217-223. [DOI: 10.1002/micr.30439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi‐Ting Chen
- Department of PathologyKaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of MedicineKaohsiung Medical University Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, College of MedicineKaohsiung Medical University Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Shun‐Chen Huang
- Department of PathologyKaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Chien‐Chang Chen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryKaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Lee‐Moay Lim
- Division of NephrologyKaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Po‐Liang Lu
- Department of Infectious DiseaseKaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Ya‐Ping Hou
- Department of Plastic SurgeryKaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Yin‐Chih Fu
- Department of OrthopaedicsKaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Chia‐Hsin Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationKaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Yur‐Ren Kuo
- Faculty of Medicine, College of MedicineKaohsiung Medical University Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Plastic SurgeryKaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Department of Biological SciencesNational Sun Yat‐Sen University Kaohsiung Taiwan
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Ma T, Luan S, Tao R, Lu D, Guo L, Liu J, Shu J, Zhou X, Han Y, Jia Y, Li G, Zhang H, Han W, Han Y, Li H. Targeted Migration of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Secondary Lymphoid Organs Enhances Their Immunomodulatory Effect and Prolongs the Survival of Allografted Vascularized Composites. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1581-1594. [PMID: 31414513 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), which are the niches for immune initiation, provides an unprecedented opportunity for immune intolerance induction. The alloimmune rejection postvascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is mediated by T lymphocytes. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) possess the superiority of convenient availability and potent immunoregulatory property, but their therapeutic results in the VCA are unambiguous thus far. Chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) can specifically guide immune cells migrating into SLOs. There, the genes of CCR7-GFP or GFP alone were introduced into hASCs by lentivirus. hASCs/CCR7 maintained the multidifferentiation and immunoregulatory abilities, but it gained the migration capacity elicited by secondary lymphoid organ chemokine (SCL) (CCR7 ligand) in vitro. Noteworthily, intravenously infused hASCs/CCR7 targetedly relocated in the T-cell aggression area in SLOs. In a rat VCA model, hASCs/GFP transfusion had a rare effect on the allografted vascularized composite. However, hASCs/CCR7 infusion potently prolonged the grafts' survival time. The ameliorated pathologic exhibition and the regulated inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood were also observed. The altered axis of Th1/Th2 and Tregs/Th17 in SLOs may underlie the downregulated rejection response. Moreover, the proteomic examination of splenic T lymphocytes also confirmed that hASCs/CCR7 decreased the proteins related to cytokinesis, lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, and apoptotic process. In conclusion, our present study demonstrated that targeted migration of hASCs/CCR7 to SLOs highly intensifies their in vivo immunomodulatory effect in the VCA model for the first time. We believe this SLO-targeting strategy may improve the clinical therapeutic efficacy of hASC for allogeneic and autogenic immune disease. Stem Cells 2019;37:1581-1594.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - ShaoLiang Luan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - LingLi Guo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - JieJie Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Shu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - XiangBin Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, The Third Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - YuDi Han
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Seventh Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - YiQing Jia
- Department of Emergency, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - WeiDong Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China.,Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Yang JH, Eun SC. Therapeutic application of T regulatory cells in composite tissue allotransplantation. J Transl Med 2017; 15:218. [PMID: 29073905 PMCID: PMC5658973 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With growing number of cases in recent years, composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) has been improving the quality of life of patient who seeks reconstruction and repair of damaged tissues. Composite tissue allografts are heterogeneous. They are composed of a variety of tissue types, including skin, muscle, vessel, bone, bone marrow, lymph nodes, nerve, and tendon. As a primary target of CTA, skin has high antigenicity with a rich repertoire of resident cells that play pivotal roles in immune surveillance. In this regard, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in immune rejection in the skin would be essential to achieve successful CTA. Although scientific evidence has proved the necessity of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of allotransplanted tissues, there remains a lingering dilemma due to the lack of specificity of targeted immunosuppression and risks of side effects. A cumulative body of evidence has demonstrated T regulatory (Treg) cells have critical roles in induction of immune tolerance and immune homeostasis in preclinical and clinical studies. Presently, controlling immune susceptible characteristics of CTA with adoptive transfer of Treg cells is being considered promising and it has drawn great interests. This updated review will focus on a dominant form of Treg cells expressing CD4+CD25+ surface molecules and a forkhead box P3 transcription factor with immune tolerant and immune homeostasis activities. For future application of Treg cells as therapeutics in CTA, molecular and cellular characteristics of CTA and immune rejection, Treg cell development and phenotypes, Treg cell plasticity and stability, immune tolerant functions of Treg cells in CTA in preclinical studies, and protocols for therapeutic application of Treg cells in clinical settings are addressed in this review. Collectively, Treg cell therapy in CTA seems feasible with promising perspectives. However, the extreme high immunogenicity of CTA warrants caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hee Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Composite Tissue Allotransplantation Immunology Laboratory, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Seok-Chan Eun
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Composite Tissue Allotransplantation Immunology Laboratory, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
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Kamińska D, Kościelska-Kasprzak K, Krajewska M, Chełmoński A, Jabłecki J, Żabińska M, Myszka M, Banasik M, Boratyńska M, Gomółkiewicz A, Dzięgiel P, Klinger M. Immune activation- and regulation-related patterns in stable hand transplant recipients. Transpl Int 2016; 30:144-152. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kamińska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
| | - Adam Chełmoński
- Subdepartment of Replantation of Limbs; St. Hedwig of Silesia Hospital; Trzebnica Poland
| | - Jerzy Jabłecki
- Subdepartment of Replantation of Limbs; St. Hedwig of Silesia Hospital; Trzebnica Poland
| | - Marcelina Żabińska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
| | - Marta Myszka
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
| | - Mirosław Banasik
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
| | - Maria Boratyńska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
| | | | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
| | - Marian Klinger
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine; Wroclaw Medical University; Wroclaw Poland
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Uluer MC, Brazio PS, Woodall JD, Nam AJ, Bartlett ST, Barth RN. Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: Medical Complications. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2016; 3:395-403. [PMID: 32288984 PMCID: PMC7101879 DOI: 10.1007/s40472-016-0113-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this review is to summarize the collective knowledge regarding the risks and complications in vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation (VCA), focusing on upper extremity and facial transplantation. The field of VCA has entered its second decade with an increasing experience in both the impressive good outcomes, as well as defining challenges, risks, and experienced poor results. The limited and selective publishing of negative outcomes in this relatively new field makes it difficult to conclusively evaluate outcomes of graft and patient survival and morbidities. Therefore, published data, conference proceedings, and communications were summarized in an attempt to provide a current outline of complications. These data on the medical complications of VCA should allow for precautions to avoid poor outcomes, data to better provide informed consent to potential recipients, and result in improvements in graft and patient outcomes as VCA finds a place as a therapeutic option for selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet C. Uluer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 29 S Greene Street STE 200, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Philip S. Brazio
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 29 S Greene Street STE 200, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Jhade D. Woodall
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 29 S Greene Street STE 200, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Arthur J. Nam
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 29 S Greene Street STE 200, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Stephen T. Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 29 S Greene Street STE 200, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Rolf N. Barth
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 29 S Greene Street STE 200, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
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The potential role for regulatory T-cell therapy in vascularized composite allograft transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2015; 19:558-65. [PMID: 25333829 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation restores defects to a degree not possible by conventional techniques. However, it is limited by the need for long-term immunosuppression and high rates of acute rejection directed against skin. There is therefore a need for a therapy that may shift the risk-benefit ratio in favour of VCA transplantation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T cells with potent immunoregulatory properties and the potential to promote immunosuppression-free allograft survival. In this review, we consider the evidence for Treg therapy in VCA transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS CD4 Tregs are the best-studied immunoregulatory cell type, and a large amount of experimental and clinical data is emerging to endorse their use in VCA transplantation. Data from animal and humanized models are particularly encouraging and demonstrate the potent efficacy of Treg at preventing skin allograft rejection. Moreover, central tolerance induction techniques in VCA transplantation models are demonstrating a dependence on Tregs for graft survival. SUMMARY An improvement in outcomes after VCA transplantation has the potential to revolutionize the field. Several effective therapeutic strategies have demonstrated great promise experimentally, and there is now a need to assess their safety and efficacy in a clinical setting.
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Monitoring and long-term outcomes in vascularized composite allotransplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2014; 18:652-8. [PMID: 24220047 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The field of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is young, with less than 150 transplants worldwide. However, we now possess as much as 14 years of clinical follow-up. There are similarities and distinct differences between solid-organ transplantation (SOT) and VCA. This review will summarize how VCA recipients are monitored, outcomes observed, and what aspects are unique to VCA. RECENT FINDINGS Of about 90 documented cases, 10% of VCA recipients are out more than 10 years and 14% are out 5 or more years. There have been both graft losses and patient mortality. In most cases, these losses have been acute, most within the first year, and all within 3 years. Unlike SOT, VCA grafts function well during severe rejection. Chronic rejection-like sequelae are less frequent than in SOT, but do appear. Immunosuppression ranges from standard protocols to novel trials aimed at immunosuppression minimization. Patient selection greatly affects the outcome. Graft loss after year 1 is associated with compliance issues. SUMMARY Functional outcomes have exceeded expectations. VCA recipients enjoy a quality of life not achievable with conventional reconstruction. Outstanding long-term results of more than a decade have been achieved. Monitoring of VCA patients will require new strategies to incorporate external visualization and effects of environment on rejection. Graft loss has occurred early, suggesting we focus improvement on this time period. More follow-up is needed to determine the rates and targets of chronic rejection, and the characteristics of VCA unique to face vs. hand transplantation.
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