Xenotransplantation in China: Present status

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Transplantation Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Severe organ donor shortage in China, with a 30:1 patient-to-recipient ratio.
• Xenotransplantation using genetically modified pig organs presents a viable alternative.
• Significant progress in xenotransplantation research has been made by Chinese scientists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in xenotransplantation in China.
• To summarize the development of genetically modified pigs for xenotransplantation.
• To outline preclinical research and clinical applications of pig-to-human xenotransplantation.

Main Methods:

• Generation and characterization of various genetically modified pigs.
• Preclinical studies involving pig-to-nonhuman primate xenotransplantation.
• Development of pig organs (islets, cornea, skin) for human transplantation.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of diverse genetically modified pigs for xenotransplantation.
• Preclinical data on pig-to-nonhuman primate xenotransplantation, including survival times and biochemical parameters.
• Advancements in clinical applications, such as pig islet transplantation for diabetes and pig tissue transplantation.

Conclusions:

• Genetically modified pigs are a crucial source for xenotransplantation organs.
• China is emerging as a global leader in xenotransplantation research and development.
• Pig organs hold significant potential for treating end-stage organ diseases in humans.