Global trends in recent research on xenotransplantation: Current development of xenotransplantation clinical trials

Abstract

Organ transplantation has been established as a definitive therapy for patients with terminal organ failure. However, the chronic shortage of organ donors remains a major problem. Xenotransplantation offers the possibility of overcoming this problem. There has recently been considerable progress in the results of organ xenotransplantation in pig-to-nonhuman primate models, largely associated with the availability of various genetically-engineered pigs as sources of organs, in combination with novel immunosuppressive (based on co-stimulation blockade) and anti-inflammatory regimens. In the preclinical heterotopic (non-life-supporting) heart transplant model, pig graft survival has increased to >2 years. As for life-supporting pig kidney transplantation, recipient (nonhuman primate) survival has been extended to >1 year. Such progress has sufficiently encouraged us to begin realistic consideration of the clinical application of xenotransplantation. The process for clinical trials is already underway.