COSMOS MAGAZINE
Xenotransplantation is taking the organs, tissues or cells from one species and transplanting them into another.
Xenotransplantation
The procedure is rapidly approaching reality as an alternative treatment for many end-stage diseases.
Credit: Wayne Hawthorne
Due to a critical shortage of human organ donors, thousands of patients remain on transplant waiting lists, making xenotransplantation a potential long-term solution.
Scientists use genetic engineering techniques like CRISPR (a tool which allows scientists to make targeted edits of chosen genes) to modify pig organs, reducing immune rejection and improving compatibility with human recipients.
(Pictured above) A pig kidney transplanted across species and perfusing normally immediately post-transplant and (below) a very dark and swollen kidney only minutes post-transplant, undergoing hyperacute rejection.
Credit: Wayne Hawthorne
Strict international regulations and ethical guidelines govern xenotransplantation trials to ensure patient safety and prevent unregulated procedures.
If clinical trials prove successful, xenotransplantation could revolutionise organ transplantation by providing a reliable and readily available source of donor organs.