Primate models in organ transplantation

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2013 Sep 1;3(9):a015503. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a015503.

Abstract

Large animal models have long served as the proving grounds for advances in transplantation, bridging the gap between inbred mouse experimentation and human clinical trials. Although a variety of species have been and continue to be used, the emergence of highly targeted biologic- and antibody-based therapies has required models to have a high degree of homology with humans. Thus, the nonhuman primate has become the model of choice in many settings. This article will provide an overview of nonhuman primate models of transplantation. Issues of primate genetics and care will be introduced, and a brief overview of technical aspects for various transplant models will be discussed. Finally, several prominent immunosuppressive and tolerance strategies used in primates will be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allografts
  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Lymphocyte Depletion / methods
  • Models, Animal*
  • Organ Transplantation / methods*
  • Perioperative Period
  • Primates
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Transplantation Chimera / immunology
  • Transplantation Immunology / genetics
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Immunosuppressive Agents