Recent advances in pig-to-human organ and cell transplantation.
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.
Cooper
David K C
DK
University of Pittsburgh, Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, W1543, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. cooperdk@upmc.edu
Ezzelarab
Mohamed
M
Hara
Hidetaka
H
Ayares
David
D
D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D013552:Swine; D014022:Tissue Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014181:Transplantation Immunology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000276:immunology* / Q000639:trends*