Generation of HLA-DP transgenic pigs for the study of xenotransplantation

The shortage of human organs has prompted scientists to seek xenogeneic sources of donors. To date, DAF, MCP, and CD59 transgenic pigs have been generated to inhibit hyperacute rejection. However, besides hyperacute rejection, acute and chronic rejection must also be considered in the use of porcine organs for xenotransplantation. The role of HLA-II in transgenic xeno-organ transplantation remains to be elucidated. By microinjecting 1655 embryos, we have generated one stillborn HLA-DR and two live HLA-DP transgenic pigs: P113-7 (male, carrying one copy of exogene) and P113-8 (female, carrying 2-3 copies of exogenes). The gene status of the live transgenic pigs was confirmed by PCR, Southern blot, and PCR product sequencing analysis. The expression of transgenes in these transgenic pigs were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis and immunohistochemical staining of frozen sections of ear tissue.