Non-human primate models of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation

A variety of animal model systems including the mouse, rat, fetal sheep, dog, pig, and non-human primate have been used to study the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation. Due to its phylogenetic proximity to humans, relatedness of its MHC complex, and a number of other practical considerations the juvenile olive baboon (papio anubis) provides a theoretically ideal model system for the study of MSC transplantation. However, there are a number of well recognized and significant limitations to this model, such as the high cost of maintaining transplanted animals, the lack of reagents cross reactive with baboon cells, and a host of other potential complications that have limited its applicability (Table 5.1). Despite these reservations, we ultimately decided to pursue studies in the baboon due to its obvious potential clinical relevance. In this chapter,we reviewseveral avenues of study inwhich the baboon model has been highly informative regarding the effects of MSC transplantation. Based on these studies, we have a better sense of the potential strengths and limitations of MSC as instruments for the correction or modification of human diseases.