Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation of pig organs into humans represents an attractive solution to the worldwide organ shortage. The survival of pig organs in primates has so far primarily been hampered by hyperacute rejection of the xenograft. The immunological mechanisms which underlie hyperacute rejection have recently been clarified. These important elucidations, together with the introduction of genetic engineering in the field of transplantation, have led to the production of genetically manipulated animals with organs that are now not susceptible to the immunological factors responsible for hyperacute rejection. In this article the recent advances in the understanding of hyperacute rejection are reviewed and the latest biomolecular approaches to overcome hyperacute rejection are described.