Development of an immunodeficient pig model allowing long-term accommodation of artificial human vascular tubes

Nat Commun. 2019 May 21;10(1):2244. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10107-1.

Abstract

Before they are used in the clinical setting, the effectiveness of artificially produced human-derived tissue-engineered medical products should be verified in an immunodeficient animal model, such as severe combined immunodeficient mice. However, small animal models are not sufficient to evaluate large-sized products for human use. Thus, an immunodeficient large animal model is necessary in order to properly evaluate the clinical efficacy of human-derived tissue-engineered products, such as artificial grafts. Here we report the development of an immunodeficient pig model, the operational immunodeficient pig (OIDP), by surgically removing the thymus and spleen, and creating a controlled immunosuppressive protocol using a combination of drugs commonly used in the clinical setting. We find that this model allows the long-term accommodation of artificial human vascular grafts. The development of the OIDP is an essential step towards a comprehensive and clinically relevant evaluation of human cell regeneration strategies at the preclinical stage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bioartificial Organs*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Cell Line
  • Fibroblasts
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Male
  • Models, Animal*
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / surgery
  • Swine
  • Swine, Miniature / immunology
  • Swine, Miniature / surgery
  • Thymus Gland / immunology
  • Thymus Gland / surgery
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Engineering*