Pig Lung Transplanted into a Human in Major Scientific First: ScienceAlert
14 days ago
- #xenotransplantation
- #medical research
- #organ transplant
- A genetically modified pig lung was transplanted into a brain-dead human patient and functioned for nine days.
- The experiment revealed signs of organ rejection, leading to termination by scientists in China.
- This marks the first successful pig lung transplant into a human, highlighting progress and challenges in xenotransplantation.
- Xenotransplantation aims to address the shortage of human donor organs, using genetically modified pig organs as temporary solutions.
- The study focused on observing immune responses, not achieving immediate success.
- The patient was a 39-year-old brain-dead man, with family consent for the procedure.
- The donor pig had six CRISPR gene edits to minimize immune rejection.
- Initial success was followed by complications like severe swelling and antibody-mediated rejection.
- Primary graft dysfunction, a leading cause of death in lung transplants, was observed.
- The study provides insights for future improvements in immunosuppression, genetic modifications, and lung preservation.