Researchers have made rapid progress in recent years toward understanding the molecular underpinnings of non-human organ rejection, offering hope that organ shortages can be overcome through xenotransplantation. Over 100,000 patients are on organ transplant waiting lists in the U.S. alone, and an average of 13 people die each day before getting a chance at a transplant. Safe and effective xenotransplants could help patients bridge the time between organ failure and the availability of a human transplant, or eventually, serve as a permanent alternative.
In the 1960s, scientists made some of the first successful attempts using organs from non-human primates. Since then, the pig has emerged as a more suitable donor animal due to greater availability and social acceptability. Genetic engineering technologies like cloning and gene editing have enabled modification of pig organs to minimize the risk of rejection, particularly hyperacute rejection, which is caused by donor-specific antibodies or antibodies with…
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