Xenotransplantation: Promises and Perils

Xenotransplantation of genetically modified pig organs has the potential to change the landscape of transplantation and chronic disease management by providing limitless personalized organs on demand. Decades of progress have resulted in recent US Food and Drug Administration approval for human clinical trials. Understandably, hope for the field is at a maximum, fueled by exciting anecdotal experiences, each providing new insights and questions. While further work is needed before widespread clinical application is plausible, the promise of xenotransplantation has never been more evident. In this review, we seek to highlight recent progress, suggest remaining research questions, and touch on the future of the field.