Xenotransplantation in China: Present status

Abstract

The main obstacle to organ transplantation is the shortage of organs from deceased individuals. Especially in China, the ratio of patients on the waiting list versus the transplant recipients is 30:1. Therefore, there is an urgent need for organ donors. Genetically modified pig organs have proved to be a new source for xenotransplantation, and Chinese scientists have made considerable progress in this area during recent years. In this paper, we review four important aspects of the xenotransplantation field in China. First, a large variety of genetically modified pigs have been generated by Chinese scientists: all these genetically modified pigs and the purpose of these modifications will be summarized. Second, the preclinical research in pig‐to‐nonhuman primate xenotransplantation is outlined. The survival time and major biochemical parameters for the xenografts are summarized. Third, regarding the bench‐to‐bed approach, more suitable organs have been developed for xenotransplantation in humans, and in particular, pig islet transplantation into diabetic patients as well as pig‐to‐human cornea and skin transplantation. Fourth, we briefly address the regulations and prospects for recruiting xenotransplantation experts in China. Based on recent progress, we anticipate that genetically modified pigs will offer suitable organs for the treatment of end‐stage organ diseases in humans in the near future. Given the recent influx of world‐renowned scientists in xenotransplantation to China, our country will definitely become one of the major centers of xenotransplantation research and development in the world.

Prolongation of rat‐to‐mouse islets xenograft survival by co‐transplantation of autologous IL‐10 differentiated murine tolerogenic dendritic cells

“…The ability of mouse DC to stimulate autologous T-cell proliferation was evaluated by two approaches. A, Non-specific stimulation by anti-CD3 antibody and measuring 3 [H]-thymidine incorporation. Purified CD4 + T cells or CD8 + T cells were polyclonally stimulated with 1 μg/mL of soluble anti-mouse CD3 in the presence or not of autologous γ-irradiated LPS-matured DC or IL-10 DC.…”

“…Purified CD4 + T cells or CD8 + T cells were polyclonally stimulated with 1 μg/mL of soluble anti-mouse CD3 in the presence or not of autologous γ-irradiated LPS-matured DC or IL-10 DC. Proliferative responses were measured after 3 days of culture by 3 [H]-thymidine incorporation for additional 18 h. Data of three independent experiments performed in triplicates are shown. Stars, circles, and squares correspond to no DC, DC, and IL-10 DC, respectively.…”

“…Xenotransplantation may overcome the human organ shortage in clinical transplantation. [1][2][3][4] However, among other concerns, T celland natural killer (NK) cell-mediated xenograft rejection necessitating heavy immunosuppression remains an obstacle. [5][6][7] Dendritic cell (DC)-based cell therapy represents a promising approach to promote transplantation tolerance and could help to reduce/replace immunosuppressive treatments.…”

Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 protects porcine aortic endothelial cells from human antibody‐mediated complement‐dependent cytotoxicity

“…These techniques mainly include tissue engineering, stem cell–based regeneration, artificial organs, or bioreactors. Among these, the possibility of xenotransplantation of domestic pig cells or organs brings hope for patients on the waiting list …”

“…Among these, the possibility of xenotransplantation of domestic pig cells or organs brings hope for patients on the waiting list. 1,2 In recent years, there has been a remarkable improvement in pigto-non-human primate xenotransplantation, especially cardiac and renal xenotransplantation. The most important challenges facing the transplantation of xenogenic organs are immune rejection responses.…”