title: Cellular therapies for prolongation of composite tissue allograft transplantation.
abstract: Complex musculoskeletal defects resulting from cancer, congenital absence, and trauma represent a unique reconstructive challenge. Autologous tissue is often unavailable to reconstruct these deformities. Composite tissue allograft transplantation represents a unique solution for these clinical problems. Face, hand, or limb transplants can be performed in a single procedure. However, the use of chronic nonspecific systemic immunosuppression can lead to side effects such as drug toxicity, opportunistic infections, and malignancies. This article explores various cell-based therapies that represent promising modalities to reduce chronic immunosuppression and alter the risk/benefit ratios for the prospect of composite tissue allograft transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3550 Terrace Street, 690 Scaife Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sacks
authors.forename: Elaine K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Horibe
authors.forename: W P Andrew
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D003712:Dendrites; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D016378:Tissue Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000379:methods*