TitleGraft-implanted, enzyme responsive, tacrolimus-eluting hydrogel enables long-term survival of orthotopic porcine limb vascularized composite allografts: A proof of concept study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsC Fries A, Lawson SD, Wang LC, Slaughter KV, Vemula PK, Dhayani A, Joshi N, Karp JM, Rickard RF, Gorantla VS, Davis MR
JournalPLoS One
Volume14
Issue1
Paginatione0210914
Date Published2019
ISSN1932-6203
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Currently, patients receiving vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) grafts must take long-term systemic immunosuppressive therapy to prevent immunologic rejection. The morbidity and mortality associated with these medications is the single greatest barrier to more patients being able to receive these life-enhancing transplants. In contrast to solid organs, VCA, exemplified by hand or face transplants, allow visual diagnosis of clinical acute rejection (AR), directed biopsy and targeted graft therapies. Local immunosuppression in VCA could reduce systemic drug exposure and limit adverse effects. This proof of concept study evaluated, in a large animal forelimb VCA model, the efficacy and tolerability of a novel graft-implanted enzyme-responsive, tacrolimus (TAC)-eluting hydrogel platform, in achieving long-term graft survival.

METHODS: Orthotopic forelimb VCA were performed in single haplotype mismatched mini-swine. Controls (n = 2) received no treatment. Two groups received TAC hydrogel: high dose (n = 4, 91 mg TAC) and low dose (n = 4, 49 mg TAC). The goal was to find a dose that was tolerable and resulted in long-term graft survival. Limbs were evaluated for clinical and histopathological signs of AR. TAC levels were measured in serial blood and skin tissue samples. Tolerability of the dose was evaluated by monitoring animal feeding behavior and weight.

RESULTS: Control limbs underwent Banff Grade IV AR by post-operative day six. Low dose TAC hydrogel treatment resulted in long-term graft survival time to onset of Grade IV AR ranging from 56 days to 93 days. High dose TAC hydrogel also resulted in long-term graft survival (24 to 42 days), but was not well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: Graft-implanted TAC-loaded hydrogel delays the onset of Grade IV AR of mismatched porcine forelimb VCA grafts, resulting in long term graft survival and demonstrates dose-dependent tolerability.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0210914
Alternate JournalPLoS ONE
PubMed ID30677062
PubMed Central IDPMC6345449