Xenotransplantation-the current status and prospects

Area of Science:

• Xenotransplantation research
• Genetically engineered animals
• Transplant medicine

Background:

• Global organ shortage for patients with end-stage organ failure.
• Potential of genetically engineered pigs to provide organs, tissues, and cells.
• Therapeutic applications for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and corneal blindness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on the use of genetically engineered pigs for xenotransplantation.
• To assess the progress and challenges in the field.
• To determine the readiness for clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on genetically engineered pigs.
• Analysis of pathobiologic barriers and advancements in immunosuppression.
• Evaluation of functional outcomes in nonhuman primate models.

Main Results:

• Pathobiologic barriers are largely defined, with significant research progress.
• Genetically engineered pig kidneys and islets have shown long-term function in nonhuman primates.
• Patient selection for initial clinical trials is receiving increased attention.

Conclusions:

• Most necessary advances for initiating clinical trials have been achieved.
• Genetically engineered pigs represent a promising solution for organ transplantation.
• Ongoing debate exists regarding the risk of infectious microorganism transmission.