Mouse Models of Experimental Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

The clinical practice of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has been limited by the potential side effects of chronic immunosuppression. Studies using rodent models have been useful for dissecting mechanisms underlying immunological events induced by VCA and for developing protocols such as mixed chimerism for tolerance induction. Mouse models of VCA have great advantages over rat and other rodents with regard to dissection of immunologic mechanisms; however, the microsurgical revascularization procedures that are required are much more difficult. Here we review recent advances in surgical and immunological methods for successful VCA in the mouse model.