Nonhuman primate models of transplant tolerance: closer to the holy grail

William H Kitchens1, Andrew B Adams

  • 1Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Achieving transplant tolerance in nonhuman primates is crucial for clinical success. This review explores innovative cellular transfer methods and established techniques like costimulatory blockade for organ acceptance without immunosuppression.

Area of Science:

  • Transplantation immunology
  • Regenerative medicine

Background:

  • Transplant tolerance, the acceptance of transplanted organs without immunosuppression, is a major goal in transplantation.
  • Nonhuman primate models are essential for translating tolerance strategies from the lab to clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review methods for inducing transplant tolerance in nonhuman primates.
  • To examine the progression of tolerance strategies from preclinical research to human trials.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published literature on transplant tolerance induction in nonhuman primates.
  • Focus on cellular transfer techniques, including regulatory T-cell and mesenchymal stem/stromal cell transfer.
  • Examination of established methods like costimulatory blockade and mixed chimerism.

Main Results:

  • Costimulatory blockade and mixed chimerism are established methods for achieving transplant tolerance in nonhuman primates.
  • Recent innovative techniques involve cellular transfer, specifically regulatory T-cells and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells.
  • These cellular therapies show promise for promoting organ allograft tolerance.

Conclusions:

  • Nonhuman primate models are vital for advancing transplant tolerance research.
  • Numerous techniques, including depletional methods, mixed chimerism, costimulatory blockade, and adoptive cell transfer, have been piloted in primates.
  • Successful translation of these strategies is key to achieving clinical transplant tolerance.

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