Xenotransplantation: how close are we?

Abstract

Xenotransplantation: how close are we? A group of experts reflects on what was learned from the first human transplants of genetically engineered pig organs and what the future of xenotransplantation may hold.X enotransplantation research marked a singular milestone last year with the first human transplants of kidneys and a heart from genetically engineered pigs. The genetic modifications were designed to improve transplantation outcomes by lessening immune rejection, controlling organ size and regulating complement, coagulation and inflammation. These pioneering surgeries were motivated by deficiencies of the current donor organ system, which have led to long waiting lists for organs (Fig. 1) and the deaths of thousands of patients in need of organs each year. Pig kidneys were transplanted into three brain-dead recipients -one at Legacy of Hope, University of Alabama 1 and two at New York University Langone Hospital 2 . A pig heart was transplanted into a living recipient at University of Maryland School of Medicine 3 . The donor pigs, supplied by Revivicor, had either one gene knockout or a set of ten gene knockouts and transgenes (Table 1). What have we learned from these experiences, and how will they guide future research and surgical practice in the field? Are phase 1 clinical trials on the horizon? Experts in transplantation medicine, immunology and virology discuss the present state and future prospects of xenotransplantation.

Identification of the Porcine Vascular Endothelial Cell-Specific Promoter ESAM1.0 Using Transcriptome Analysis

“…Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs or cells from one species to a different species, can potentially address organ shortage challenges [1][2][3]. Owing to their anatomical and physiological analogy to humans, pigs have been deemed the most suitable species for this purpose [4].…”