Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Quantification of Circulating Pig-Specific DNA in the Blood of a Xenotransplantation Model
Published on: September 22, 2020
Microbial safety in xenotransplantation
Nicolas J Mueller1, Yasuhiro Takeuchi, Giada Mattiuzzo
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
Purpose Of Review:
As clinical trials are in progress involving porcine islet cell transplantation, microbial safety remains a key issue. Therefore, in the context of pig-to-human xenotransplantation, we provide an overview of the recent progress in the studies of relevant viruses including well known problematic viruses, such as herpesviruses and porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV) in addition to some emerging issues regarding other pathogens.
Recent Findings:
The ability of herpesvirus to infect across species barriers is probably underestimated and requires monitoring and control of both xenograft donors and recipients for latent infection. Exclusion from donors and recipient monitoring for other exogenous pathogens including newly identified Parvovirus-4 are warranted. The availability of the swine whole genome sequence may help to characterize and select donor animals with less PERV infectivity. Rigorous PERV monitoring in both clinical and preclinical xenotransplantation experiments must be included in clinical protocols.
Summary:
A wide range of pathogens, both viruses and bacteria, pose potential safety problems in xenotransplantation, highlighting the importance of prescreening of the donor animals, and careful monitoring and follow-up of the patients.
Insights
Microbial safety is crucial for pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Monitoring for viruses like herpesviruses and porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV), alongside other pathogens, is essential for safe clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Infectious disease microbiology
- Comparative virology
Background:
- Porcine islet cell transplantation is advancing towards clinical trials.
- Microbial safety is a primary concern in pig-to-human xenotransplantation.
- Understanding viral and bacterial pathogen risks is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in identifying and managing pathogens relevant to xenotransplantation.
- To highlight key viruses such as herpesviruses and porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV).
- To address emerging pathogen concerns in xenotransplantation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on xenotransplantation pathogens.
- Analysis of viral infectivity across species barriers.
- Assessment of genomic data for pathogen characterization.
Main Results:
- Herpesvirus cross-species transmission potential is underestimated and requires donor/recipient monitoring.
- Exclusion of donors and recipient monitoring for exogenous pathogens like Parvovirus-4 are necessary.
- Swine genome data aids in selecting donors with lower PERV infectivity; rigorous PERV monitoring is vital.
Conclusions:
- Diverse pathogens (viral and bacterial) pose risks in xenotransplantation.
- Prescreening of donor animals is paramount.
- Careful patient monitoring and follow-up are essential for safety.
