Recent advances in xenotransplantation.
The major barrier to clinically successful pig-to-human xenotransplantation is antibody- and complement-dependent hyperacute rejection, known to be due to host anti-Galalpha(1,3)Gal antibodies. Strategies aimed at eliminating hyperacute rejection involve transgenic approaches to eliminate or reduce expression of Galalpha(1,3)Gal or to reduce complement activation; some of these are now in clinical trials in primates. Another important role of Galalpha(1,3)Gal that is becoming more evident is in antibody-dependent and -independent xenograft rejection that is mediated by natural killer cells and monocytes.
Sandrin
M S
MS
Molecular Immunogenetics Laboratory, Austin Research Institute, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia. m.sandrin@ari.unimelb.edu.au
McKenzie
I F
IF
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified / Q000276:immunology*; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D004187:Disaccharides / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D020077:Endogenous Retroviruses; D000939:Epitopes; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D013552:Swine / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000276:immunology*
D004187:Disaccharides; D000939:Epitopes; C055075:galactosyl-(1-3)galactose