Recent advances in pig-to-human organ and cell transplantation

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2008 Jan;8(1):1-4. doi: 10.1517/14712598.8.1.1.

Abstract

Xenotransplantation using pigs offers the prospect of an unlimited number of organs and cells for clinical transplantation. A major step forward has been achieved with the introduction of pigs homozygous for alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockouts that do not express the major antigenic target for primate antipig antibodies (i.e., Galalpha1,3Gal). Heterotopic heart transplants have survived for 2-6 months in baboons. However, other immune and pathophysiologic barriers remain, including: i) anti-non-Gal antibodies and cells of the innate immune system; and ii) thrombogenesis associated with incompatibilities in the coagulation-anticoagulation systems of pig and primate. Further genetic modification of the organ-source pig to overcome these barriers is being undertaken.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Swine
  • Tissue Survival / drug effects
  • Tissue Survival / genetics
  • Tissue Survival / immunology
  • Transplantation Immunology / drug effects
  • Transplantation Immunology / genetics
  • Transplantation Immunology / immunology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous / immunology*
  • Transplantation, Heterologous / trends*