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Megan Sykes1,2,3, David H Sachs4,3
1Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY, USA. megan.sykes@columbia.edu.
Science Immunology
|November 3, 2019
Summary
Xenotransplantation using genetically modified pig organs offers a promising solution to the organ shortage. Engineering these organs can overcome immune rejection and protect against infections, advancing transplant possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Biology
- Genetic Engineering
Background:
- Organ transplantation faces limitations due to immunosuppression complications, chronic rejection, and organ scarcity, leading to patient mortality.
- Recent advancements in xenotransplantation, particularly using genetically modified porcine organs, show promise for overcoming the organ shortage.
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has enabled significant progress in modifying pigs for xenotransplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential and limitations of genetically engineered pig organs for xenotransplantation.
- To explore strategies for overcoming immune attacks on transplanted organs.
- To discuss methods for protecting both the recipient and the graft from infectious microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Genetic modification of pigs using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
- Engineering porcine organs to reduce immunogenicity and enhance graft survival.
- Investigating methods to modulate the host immune response in xenotransplantation.
Main Results:
- Genetically engineered porcine organs demonstrate prolonged graft survival in nonhuman primates.
- CRISPR-Cas9 facilitates the creation of organs less susceptible to immune rejection.
- The potential exists to engineer grafts that mitigate multifaceted immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Xenotransplantation holds significant potential to address the global organ shortage.
- Genetic engineering of porcine organs is crucial for successful clinical application.
- Further research is needed to fully overcome immune barriers and infectious risks in xenotransplantation.
