Costimulatory Blockade Prevents Rejection of Vascularized Composite Allografts

Abstract

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has become a valid therapeutic option after devastating tissue loss, such as an extremity or face. The costimulatory blocking fusion protein CTLA4-Ig has shown considerable efficacy in preventing rejection of solid organ transplants in preclinical models and clinical trials, however, its effects in VCA are still poorly understood. The current study investigated the immunosuppressive potential of CTLA4-Ig in a novel murine model of hind limb transplantation.