Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation Latest News

Researchers in China successfully transplanted a gene-modified pig liver into a human diagnosed with brain death to evaluate its survival and function.

What is Xenotransplantation?

• Xenotransplantation refers to the transplantation, implantation, or infusion of live cells, tissues, or organs from a non-human animal into a human recipient.
• It can also involve human cells, tissues, or organs that have had prior ex vivo (outside the body) contact with non-human animal cells or tissues.
• First attempts at xenotransplantation involving the human heart were made in the 1980s.
• Genetic modifications are required in animal organs to prevent immune rejection by the human body.
• Post-transplantation monitoring is crucial to ensure organ functionality and detect immune responses.

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Why Are Pigs Used for Xenotransplantation?

• Pig heart valves have been successfully used for human valve replacements for over 50 years.
• Anatomical and physiological similarities between pigs and humans make pigs ideal organ donors.
• Pigs are widely farmed, making organ availability cost-effective and scalable.
• The variety of pig breeds allows organ size to be matched with specific human requirements.

Recent Advancements in Xenotransplantation

• First Genetically Modified Pig Heart Transplant (2022): A genetically modified pig heart was successfully transplanted into a human for the first time.
  • The experiment demonstrated the potential of genetically modified pig organs for human transplantation.
• Gene-Modified Pig Liver Transplantation (2025): Chinese researchers from the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an successfully transplanted a gene-edited pig liver into a brain-dead human recipient.
• Key Genetic Modifications:
  • Six genes are edited to prevent immune rejection.
  • Human transgenes are inserted to enhance compatibility.
• Observations Over 10 Days:
  • The pig liver produced bile and albumin, indicating basic functionality.
  • Stable blood flow was maintained.
  • No signs of rejection were observed due to immunosuppressants.
  • The study was published in Nature.
• Potential Use: Gene-modified pig livers could serve as a “bridge therapy” for patients awaiting human organ transplants.
  • However, long-term viability and full liver functionality remain uncertain.

Xenotransplantation FAQs

Q1: What is Xenotransplantation?
Ans: It is the transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, usually from animals to humans.

Q2: Why is xenotransplantation important?
Ans: It helps address the shortage of human organ donors, potentially saving lives of patients needing transplants.

Q3: What are the main risks of xenotransplantation?
Ans: Risks include immune rejection, transmission of animal diseases to humans (zoonotic infections), and ethical concerns.

Q4: Which animal is most commonly considered for xenotransplantation?
Ans: Pigs are the primary choice due to organ size compatibility and genetic modifiability.

Source: TH