Open AccessImmunobiology in VCA
Author(s) -
Kaufman Christina L.,
Marvin Michael R.,
Chilton Paula M.,
Hoying James B.,
Williams Stuart K.,
Tien Huey,
Ozyurekoglu Tuna,
Ouseph Rosemary
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
transplant international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1432-2277
pISSN - 0934-0874
DOI - 10.1111/tri.12764
Subject(s) - medicine , transplantation , solid organ , orthopedic surgery , pathology , organ transplantation , surgery
Summary Transplantation of vascularized composite tissue is a relatively new field that is an amalgamation of experience in solid organ transplantation and reconstructive plastic and orthopedic surgery. What is novel about the immunobiology of VCA is the addition of tissues with unique immunologic characteristics such as skin and vascularized bone, and the nature of VCA grafts, with direct exposure to the environment, and external forces of trauma. VCA s are distinguished from solid organ transplants by the requirement of rigorous physical therapy for optimal outcomes and the fact that these procedures are not lifesaving in most cases. In this review, we will discuss the immunobiology of these systems and how the interplay can result in pathology unique to VCA as well as provide potential targets for therapy.