title: From ABO-incompatible human kidney transplantation to xenotransplantation.
abstract: The development (in 1981) of a protocol for successful renal allotransplantation across ABO barriers is outlined. From this experience, the concept of "adaptation", subsequently termed "accommodation", was defined. It was then hypothesized that a similar approach might allow pig-to-human organ xenotransplantation. This hypothesis was explored in the pig-to-baboon renal transplantation model, with graft survival for a maximum of 23 days. Rejection episodes were temporarily reversed, providing encouragement that discordant xenotransplantation would one day prove successful. Finally, the preparation of the thymokidney, developed as a means of inducing xenotolerance, is briefly reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Renal and Pancreatic Transplantation at the University Clinics St Luc, University of Louvain, and Interdisciplinary Center for Research in Xenotransplantation (CIREX), University of Liège, Liège, Brussels. guy.alexandre@skynet.be
authors.forename: Guy P J
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Alexandre
mesh_terms: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D010215:Papio; D013552:Swine; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System