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Genetically engineered pigs for xenotransplantation: Hopes and challenges
Jiahui Xi1, Wei Zheng1, Min Chen1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Science, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Genetically engineered pigs offer a promising solution to the organ shortage for xenotransplantation. This review explores genetic modifications and interspecies chimeras to overcome immune barriers, advancing organ transplantation possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Xenotransplantation research
- Immunology
- Genetic engineering
Background:
- Clinical xenotransplantation is severely limited by a shortage of donor organs.
- Genetically modified pigs are a potential solution for organ xenotransplantation.
- Existing research focuses on modifying pig organs to reduce human immune rejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in genetically engineered pigs for xenotransplantation.
- To analyze immunologic barriers and strategies in xenotransplantation.
- To discuss the potential and challenges of interspecies chimeras as an organ source.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on genetically engineered pigs for xenotransplantation.
- Analysis of immunological challenges in xenotransplantation.
- Exploration of interspecies chimera technology.
Main Results:
- Genetically engineered pigs show promise for overcoming immune rejection in xenotransplantation.
- Interspecies chimeras present an alternative strategy for organ sourcing.
- Significant immunological and technical challenges remain for clinical application.
Conclusions:
- Genetic engineering of pigs is crucial for advancing xenotransplantation.
- Interspecies chimeras offer a novel approach but require further investigation.
- Overcoming immune barriers is key to successful clinical xenotransplantation.
