Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Immunomodulators in a Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Immunomodulators in a Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Vascularized composite allotransplantations (VCAs) are not routinely performed for tissue reconstruction because of the potentially harmful adverse effects associated with lifelong administration of immunosuppressive agents. Researchers have been eagerly seeking alternative methods that circumvent the long-term use of immunosuppressants. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise as an immunomo...

Perspectives on the Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Reconstructive transplantation has emerged as clinical reality over the past decade. Long-term graft acceptance has been feasible in extremity and facial vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) under standard immunosuppression. Minimizing overall burden of lifelong immunosuppression is key to wider application of these non-life saving grafts. Allograft tolerance is the holy grail of ma...

Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Immunomodulators in Transplantation

Facial Vascularized Composite Tissue Allotransplantation

Reconstruction of severe composite defects of the face is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Despite several reconstructive techniques, the functional and aesthetic results of these patients are not acceptable. As a major organ, face, has an utmost importance in daily life. The specific characteristics of face require not a reconstruction, but a replace with same tissue. With the evolutio...

Immunomodulatory Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

This review aims to summarize contemporary evidence of the in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in promoting vascularized composite allotransplant (VCA) tolerance. An extensive literature review was performed to identify pertinent articles of merit. Prospective preclinical trials in mammal subjects receiving VCA (or skin allograft) with administration o...