Context: Recently, researchers from China have transplanted a gene-modified liver from a miniature pig into a human recipient diagnosed with brain death. The transplantation was carried out to evaluate the performance of the transplanted organ over a 10-day observation period.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Xenotransplantation.
What is Xenotransplantation?
- Xenotransplantation is any procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation or infusion into a human recipient:
- live cells, tissues, or organs from a non-human animal source.
- human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have had ex vivo contact with live non-human animal cells, tissues or organs. Essentially, it is the use of animal cells and organs to heal humans.
- Need: To bridge the need for a limited supply of organs and cells for clinical transplantation, and address the shortage of organs from human donors.
- Source:Pigs are the most commonly considered animals due to their size compatibility and organ similarities with humans.
- Natural lifespan of a pig is 30 years, they are easily bred and can have organs of similar size to humans.
- Gene editing in organs from pigs can reduce immune rejection, and can make organ transplants to humans possible.
Limitations
Successful xenotransplantation faces challenges such as organ rejection, risk of cross-species infections and social acceptance.
- In 2022, the first xenotransplantation of a genetically-modified pig heart was done. However, the patient passed away after two months.
- In 2024, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant passed away, around two months after the surgery was carried out.
The latest development
- Six genes had been edited in the transplanted liver. The gene edits included removal of genes that mediate rejection and the insertion of human transgenes to facilitate compatibility. The liver produced bile and albumin, maintained stable blood flow and showed no signs of rejection.
- These findings suggest that gene-modified pig livers can survive and function in human bodies. This can pave the way for using gene-edited organs for xenotransplantation.
However, the study was limited to a 10-day observation period, and only basic liver functions were measured. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes.