Related Experiment Videos
Clinical xenotransplantation of solid organs
A Dorling1, K Riesbeck, A Warrens
1Department of Immunology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|March 22, 1997
Summary
Xenotransplantation using pig organs offers a solution to organ shortages. While hyperacute rejection (HAR) is a challenge, new strategies may enable successful clinical xenotransplantation soon.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Regenerative medicine
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Chronic shortage of human allografts necessitates alternative solutions.
- Xenotransplantation, particularly using porcine organs, is a promising alternative.
- Hyperacute rejection (HAR) is a major immunological barrier to xenograft survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of xenotransplantation as a solution to allograft scarcity.
- To discuss novel therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming hyperacute rejection (HAR).
- To highlight potential non-immune barriers to long-term xenograft survival.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research and expert opinions on xenotransplantation.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies tested in animal models for xenograft acceptance.
- Examination of evidence regarding non-immune barriers to xenograft survival.
Main Results:
- Porcine organs are considered suitable for xenotransplantation but face rapid HAR.
- Novel therapeutic strategies show promise in overcoming HAR in preclinical studies.
- Emerging evidence suggests additional immune and non-immune barriers beyond HAR.
Conclusions:
- Clinical xenotransplantation may be feasible within years due to advancements in overcoming HAR.
- Long-term xenograft survival requires addressing both immune and non-immune barriers.
- Further research is essential to achieve xenograft survival rates comparable to allografts.