In vitro evaluation of new possible cell engraftment enhancers for cell transplantation

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the best treatment to restore liver function in liver failure. The low availability of organs has focused interest on the use of cell transplantation to restore liver function. However, this technique is limited because cells can not bind to liver parenchyma and die soon after perfusion. Pretransplant treatment with engraftment enhancers (EE) to increase vascular permeability may increase cell attachment. Using an endothelial cell culture to measure the loss of intercellular endothelial adhesion as a screening test, we evaluated the capacity of 15 monoclonal antibodies against adhesion molecules expressed on endothelial cells to act as EE showing that 3 antibodies (anti-CD54, efalizumab, and abciximab) act as EE by producing disruptions in the cell layer.