Objective To introduce the research progress in the immune of composite tissue allotransplantation. Methods The related articles were reviewed to summarize the immune characteristics, experimental developments, and cl inical experiences of composite tissue allotransplantation. Results Composite allogeneic tissue is on the body surface, including the composition of the complex with high antigenicity. There are a lot of differences in the immune responsesbetween composite tissue allotransplantation and organ transplantation, such as immunosuppressant protocol, rejectiondiagnosis, and chronic rejection. Conclusion In the next study, it is urgently needed to learn these experiences and toestabl ish the special standard of composite tissue allotransplantation in induction of immune tolerance, local medication, and rejection diagnosis.
Objective To review the research progress of composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA), analyzethe superiority and the inferiority, and inform the possible direction of further research. Methods Literature concerningCTA was reviewed and analyzed in terms of the l imits of conventional reparative and reconstructive surgery, the definitionof CTA, potential advantages, and treatment risks. Results The cl inical research of CTA both at home and abroad proved that the therapeutic effect of CTA was better than that of conventional reparative and reconstructive surgery. However, therisks resulting from immunosuppressive therapy were still the primary factors restraining the wide cl inical appl ication ofCTA. Conclusion The development of immunosuppressive therapy explores a great development potential for the CTA, and how to decrease the treatment risk of immunosuppressive therapy will be the main research direction in the field of CTA.
Objective To review the current progress of human facial allotransplantation in China and the other countries. Methods The recent literature concerned with human facial allotransplantation was extensively reviewed and briefly summarized. Results According to the literature reviewed, the main issues could be divided into four categories: technical aspects,immunological aspects,psychological and social issues ethicaland legal problems related to facial allotransplantation. However, because of the complexity of the human facial allotransplantation, which involved many problems related to immunity, psychology, society, ethics, etc., there was much controversy in this field. Conclusion In spite of the existent problems, facial allotransplantation in humans has still benefited the patient whose face is severely disfigured.