One Step Closer to Pig-to-Human Xenotransplantation

Immunological incompatibilities between species complicate the development of pig-to-human xenotransplantation. However, advances in pig genome engineering are making progress possible. In this study, researchers conducted a comprehensive phenotyping of two pig kidney xenografts transplanted into deceased human recipients. Data collected from the xenografts revealed early signs of antibody-mediated rejection, characterized by microvascular inflammation associated with immune deposits and endothelial cell activation. Both xenografts showed increased expression of genes biologically related to a humoral immune response, including monocyte and macrophage activation, natural killer cell burden, endothelial activation, complement activation, and T lymphocyte development.