Large Animal Models of Transplantation

Essentially all major advances in transplantation have been preceded by preparatory animal experimentation. While in vitro and small animal in vivo studies have served the field well in the elucidation of new biological and therapeutic concepts, experiments in large animals have been and remain the best option for translation towards human trials. Large animal models, through their anatomic, physiologic, and immunologic similarities to humans, have served to refine therapeutic approaches for use in humans. Moreover, they have often challenged the robustness of a therapeutic approach by moving it from inbred settings with minimal environmental immune exposure, to more outbred and immunologically dynamic settings. This chapter will provide an overview of the prominent large animal models used in transplantation, focusing specifically on the dog, pig, and non-human primate models. The ethical underpinnings of large animal experimentation will be introduced, and brief practical specifics of each model will be provided.