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Endogenous retroviruses: a potential problem for xenotransplantation?
J P Stoye1, P Le Tissier, Y Takeuchi
1National Institute of Medical Research, London, United Kingdom. jstoye@ns1.nimr.mrc.ac.uk
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|February 3, 1999
Summary
Genetically modified pigs may offer organs for transplant, but pose a risk of transferring porcine retroviruses to humans. Research is investigating these viruses to assess xenotransplantation safety.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Transplantation Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Genetically modified pigs are being explored as a source for human transplantation due to donor shortages.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential transfer of porcine retroviruses into the human population during xenotransplantation.
- Previous studies confirmed that some porcine retroviruses can infect human cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of porcine retroviruses with cellular receptors.
- To study the inheritance and expression of human-tropic endogenous porcine retroviruses.
- To assess the risk of retroviral transfer in xenotransplantation.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of porcine retroviral envelope genes.
- Studies on the interaction between porcine viruses and cellular receptors.
- Analysis of the inheritance and expression of human-tropic endogenous porcine retroviruses in different pig populations.
Main Results:
- At least two classes of human-tropic endogenous porcine retroviruses are widespread in pig populations.
- Cloned envelope genes are being used to study virus-receptor interactions.
- Studies are ongoing to understand the implications for xenotransplantation.
Conclusions:
- Porcine endogenous retroviruses are widely distributed in pigs.
- Understanding virus-receptor interactions is crucial for assessing xenotransplantation risks.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the safety of using pigs in human transplantation.