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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
A Novel Microsurgical Model for Heterotopic, En Bloc Chest Wall, Thymus, and Heart Transplantation in Mice
Published on: January 23, 2016
Xenotransplantation as a model of integrated, multidisciplinary research
Emanuele Cozzi1, Erika Bosio, Michela Seveso
1Direzione Sanitaria; Padua General Hospital; Padua, Italy; Department of Surgical and Gastroenterological Sciences; University of Padua; Padua, Italy; CORIT (Consorzio per la Ricerca sul Trapianto d'Organi); Padua, Italy; Department of Nuclear Medicine; PET Centre; S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital; Rovigo, Italy; Clinica Chirurgica III; Padua General Hospital; Padua, Italy.
Abstract:
Xenotransplantation was proposed a long time ago as a possible solution to the world-wide shortage of human organs. For years, researchers in this field have almost exclusively directed their efforts towards combating the immunological barrier that precluded long-term xenograft survival. Studies have been conducted in both small and large animal models and the most relevant results have been obtained in pre-clincal studies, specifically those utilising the pig-to-nonhuman primate combination. In this context, a better understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying the rejection of a xenograft have allowed the identification of specific targets of intervention that have resulted in considerable improvements in survival of porcine organs or cells in nonhuman primates. However it has also become apparent that if xenotransplantation has to enter the clinical arena, a multidisciplinary approach will be needed to comprehensively tackle the different issues related to the use of a xenograft to cure human disease.In this regard, the safety, ethics and regulatory aspects of xenotransplantation are currently being aggressively addressed to enable the initiation of xenotransplantation with a favourable risk/benefit ratio.
Insights
Xenotransplantation, using animal organs for humans, faces immunological barriers. Overcoming these, alongside safety and ethical considerations, is key for clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Surgical innovation
- Bioethics
Background:
- Xenotransplantation offers a solution to the global organ shortage.
- Historically, research focused on overcoming immunological rejection barriers.
- Pig-to-nonhuman primate models have yielded significant preclinical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in xenotransplantation, focusing on immunological challenges.
- To highlight the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for clinical translation.
- To address safety, ethical, and regulatory aspects for favorable risk/benefit ratios.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical studies in small and large animal models.
- Investigation of immunological mechanisms of xenograft rejection.
- Analysis of pig-to-nonhuman primate xenotransplantation models.
Main Results:
- Improved understanding of xenograft rejection mechanisms.
- Identification of specific targets for immunological intervention.
- Considerable improvements in porcine organ/cell survival in nonhuman primates.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming immunological barriers is crucial but insufficient for clinical xenotransplantation.
- A comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy is required for clinical implementation.
- Addressing safety, ethical, and regulatory issues is paramount for successful xenotransplantation.
