Large Animal Models for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Abstract

Large animal models have served as the foundation for clinical trials in all solid organ transplantation. Likewise, pre-clinical studies in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) have provided a foundation for initial human applications in VCA. The growth of clinical VCA correspondingly benefits from large animal studies investigating the unique immunobiology, improved immunosuppressive regimens, and the potential induction of immunologic tolerance. VCA studies in large animal models of nonhuman primates, swine, and canines have and continue to build knowledge towards improved clinical outcomes.