Challenges, highlights, and opportunities in cellular transplantation: A white paper of the current landscape. Issue 10 (22nd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parsons, Ronald F.; Baquerizo, Angeles; Kirchner, Varvara A.; Malek, Sayeed; Desai, Chirag S.; Schenk, Austin; Finger, Erik B.; Brennan, Todd V.; Parekh, Kalpaj R.; MacConmara, Malcolm; Brayman, Kenneth; Fair, Jeffrey; Wertheim, Jason A.
• Is Part Of: American journal of transplantation. Volume 21:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 3225
• Page End: 3238
• Publication Date: 2021-07-22
• Subjects: basic (laboratory) research/science -- cellular transplantation (non‐islet) -- clinical research/practice -- islet transplantation -- islets of Langerhans -- regenerative medicine -- stem cells -- tissue/organ engineering -- tolerance; Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16740
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1600-6135

Abstract

Abstract : Although cellular transplantation remains a relatively small field compared to solid organ transplantation, the prospects for advancement in basic science and clinical care remain bountiful. In this review, notable historical events and the current landscape of the field of cellular transplantation are reviewed with an emphasis on islets (allo‐ and xeno‐), hepatocytes (including bioartificial liver), adoptive regulatory immunotherapy, and stem cells (SCs, specifically endogenous organ‐specific and mesenchymal). Also, the nascent but rapidly evolving field of three‐dimensional bioprinting is highlighted, including its major processing steps and latest achievements. To reach its full potential where cellular transplants are a more viable alternative than solid organ transplants, fundamental change in how the field is regulated and advanced is needed. Greater public and private investment in the development of cellular transplantation is required. Furthermore, consistent with the call of multiple national transplant societies for allo‐islet transplants, the oversight of cellular transplants should mirror that of solid organ transplants and not be classified under the unsustainable, outdated model that requires licensing as a drug with the Food and Drug Administration. Cellular transplantation has the potential to bring profound benefit through progress in bioengineering and regenerative medicine, limiting immunosuppression‐related toxicity, and providing markedly reduced surgical morbidity. Abstract : The authors summarize the field of cellular transplantation with an emphasis on islets, hepatocytes, adoptive regulatory immunotherapy, and stem cells, while also highlighting recent advances in three‐dimensional bioprinting and discussing the necessary steps for the field to reach its full potential as a viable alternative to solid organ transplantation.