Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Preparation and Gene Modification of Nonhuman Primate Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Published on: February 15, 2019
Understanding xenotransplantation risks from nonhuman primate retroviruses
1Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, 7620 N.W. Loop 410 at Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA. Jallan@icarus.sfbr.org
Abstract:
Significant progress in making animal-to-human transplantation a viable adjunct to human organ donation will require a greater understanding of the intricacies of immunologic rejection. Recent success in generating cloned knockout piglets increases the possibility that xenotransplantation may find its way into the clinics. Nonhuman primates' organs have been used for human transplants in the past and there is reason to believe that if ethical considerations and inherent problems with supply were overcome, their close genetic proximity to humans would lessen complications of rejection. Unfortunately, nonhuman primates harbor several pathogens known to be infectious in humans and the potential of other viral infections has precluded further use of monkeys in this setting. Baboons are generally considered the nonhuman primate species of choice yet this species carries several retroviruses considered a threat to humans in transplantation. Both known and potentially undiscovered retroviruses pose an important risk that is the focus of this review.
Insights
Xenotransplantation, using animal organs for human transplants, faces challenges. Understanding immunologic rejection and viral risks from animal donors, like baboons, is crucial for safe clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Xenotransplantation research
- Infectious disease in transplantation
Background:
- Advancing animal-to-human transplantation requires understanding immunologic rejection.
- Cloned knockout piglets offer new possibilities for xenotransplantation.
- Nonhuman primate organs were previously used but carry risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks of viral infections, particularly retroviruses, associated with xenotransplantation.
- To highlight the challenges posed by pathogens in nonhuman primates used for transplantation.
- To emphasize the need for further research into safe xenotransplantation practices.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on xenotransplantation and immunologic rejection.
- Analysis of viral pathogens in nonhuman primates relevant to human transplantation.
- Assessment of risks associated with retroviruses in baboon organs.
Main Results:
- Nonhuman primates, especially baboons, harbor retroviruses posing a threat to human recipients.
- Both known and potentially unknown viral infections are significant risks.
- Immunologic rejection remains a key hurdle in xenotransplantation.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming immunologic rejection and mitigating viral transmission risks are essential for clinical xenotransplantation.
- Baboons, while genetically close, present retroviral risks that need careful management.
- Further research is critical to ensure the safety of animal-to-human organ transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
02:33Retroviruses