Abstract
Immunology of Vascularized Composite Allografts
Highlights
This special issue is devoted to the immunology of vascularized composite allografts
Over the past decade, vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), such as hand and face transplantation, has become a clinical reality and a viable treatment option for those patients suffering from complex tissue injuries or defects not amenable to conventional reconstruction
Leonard et al provide a comprehensive review of the use of mixed chimerism approaches for tolerance induction in the field of VCA with a particular emphasis on translational large animal (MGH miniature swine) protocols
Summary
This special issue is devoted to the immunology of vascularized composite allografts. Despite the fact that early and intermediate functional outcomes are highly encouraging rejection and the need for chronic immunosuppressive treatment continue to be the bane of VCA, preventing its broader clinical application. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying alloimmune responses in VCA is key to establish novel protocols for immunomodulation and tolerance induction after this type of transplant, without the need for longterm immunosuppression.
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