Current status of xenotransplantation and prospects for clinical application.
Xenotransplantation is one promising approach to bridge the gap between available human cells, tissues, and organs and the needs of patients with diabetes or end-stage organ failure. Based on recent progress using genetically modified source pigs, improving results with conventional and experimental immunosuppression, and expanded understanding of residual physiologic hurdles, xenotransplantation appears likely to be evaluated in clinical trials in the near future for some select applications. This review offers a comprehensive overview of known mechanisms of xenograft injury, a contemporary assessment of preclinical progress and residual barriers, and our opinions regarding where breakthroughs are likely to occur.
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore VAMC, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. rpierson@smail.umaryland.edu
Richard N
RN
Pierson
Anthony
A
Dorling
David
D
Ayares
Michael A
MA
Rees
Jörg D
JD
Seebach
Jay A
JA
Fishman
Bernhard J
BJ
Hering
David K C
DK
Cooper
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000502:physiology; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000276:immunology; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000473:pathology
D000941:Antigens