US Surgeons Successfully Transplant Genetically Modified Pig Kidney into Brain-Dead Patient, Marking a Significant Breakthrough
In a groundbreaking achievement, US surgeons have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead patient, with the organ functioning well for a record 32 days. This major milestone brings us closer to bridging the organ donation gap and addressing the urgent need for organ transplants.
The procedure is part of pioneering research focused on advancing cross-species transplants, and it involves testing the technique on human bodies donated for scientific purposes. Currently, there are over 103,000 individuals waiting for organs in the United States, with approximately 88,000 of them in need of kidneys.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, the director of the New York University Langone Transplant Institute, expressed his optimism about this groundbreaking achievement, stating that the genetically edited pig kidney successfully survived in a human for over a month. He believes that this outcome provides a compelling case for conducting further studies in living humans to advance this innovative field of research.
The first genetically modified pig kidney transplant to a human took place in September 2021, followed by a similar procedure in November 2021. Despite subsequent experiments having a limited duration of two to three days, this latest case has proven to be a breakthrough in terms of longevity.
Unlike previous transplants that involved body parts with multiple genetic modifications, this recent procedure focused on eliminating the gene responsible for hyperacute rejection within minutes of connecting an animal organ to a human circulatory system. By knocking out this gene, which triggers the biomolecule alpha-gal targeted by human antibodies, the NYU Langone team successfully prevented immediate rejection.
Additionally, the pig’s thymus gland, which plays a crucial role in educating the immune system, was embedded in the kidney’s outer layer. This innovative technique enabled the host’s immune cells to recognize the pig’s cells as their own, thereby preventing delayed rejection.
To ensure the success of the transplant, both of the patient’s own kidneys were removed, and one pig kidney was transplanted, immediately functioning and producing urine. Monitoring revealed optimal levels of waste product (creatinine) with no signs of rejection.
Another significant finding is the absence of porcine cytomegalovirus, which can trigger organ failure. The medical team plans to continue monitoring for another month to gather more data.
Importantly, the success of this research was made possible by the family of Maurice Mo Miller, a brain cancer patient who was found unresponsive in July. Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his passing, his legacy will be a contribution to helping many people live better lives through the advancement of medical science.
It is worth noting that the University of Maryland Medical School, in January 2022, performed the world’s first pig-to-human transplant involving a living patient, specifically in the field of heart transplantation. Unfortunately, the patient passed away two months later, and the presence of porcine cytomegalovirus in the organ was implicated.
The donor pigs utilized in these experiments were sourced from a carefully approved herd maintained by Virginia-based biotech company Revivicor. These pigs are bred, not cloned, allowing for a more scalable process.
Xenotransplantation research initially focused on primates as organ donors, such as the famous baboon heart transplant in 1984. However, the shift towards using pigs as ideal donors for humans is due to factors such as organ size, rapid growth, large litter size, and their status as a readily available food source.
The success of this groundbreaking procedure opens the door for further advancements in cross-species transplants and brings hope to the thousands of people awaiting organ transplants. As researchers continue their work, the potential long-term benefits of genetically modified pig organs and the optimization of immunosuppressive drugs could revolutionize the field of organ transplantation.
This significant breakthrough serves as a testament to the incredible progress made in medical science and the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals and researchers in their quest to save lives.
