Scientists at NYU Langone Health have achieved a major breakthrough in xenotransplantation, with a genetically engineered pig kidney successfully functioning in a human body for over two months. The procedure, known as a xenotransplant, involved the transplantation of an organ from a GalSafe pig, which was genetically modified by Revivicor Inc. The pig’s kidney was transplanted into a 58-year-old man who had been declared brain dead by neurologic criteria. The procedure was performed on July 14 and the organ was removed on September 13.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, chair of the Department of Surgery and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, expressed optimism about the future of xenotransplantation as a potential solution to the nationwide organ shortage. He acknowledged the critical support received from the family of the deceased recipient, without which the study would not have been possible.
This groundbreaking research marks the longest-documented case of a genetically engineered pig kidney functioning in a human body. The study involved the successful knockout of a single gene responsible for the rapid rejection of pig organs by humans. By eliminating this gene, immediate rejection was avoided in all five xenotransplants conducted at NYU Langone. Furthermore, the pig kidney was fused with the pig’s thymus gland to prevent novel, delayed immune responses.
The researchers also observed some novel cellular changes during the study, indicating a mild rejection process. This prompted the intensification of immunosuppression medication to reverse the rejection completely. The team will now analyze the data collected over the past two months and conduct additional tests to gain further insights into the cellular and molecular changes that may inform future studies and eventual clinical applications in living humans.
The pressing need for organ transplantation is evident, with over 103,000 people on the waiting list in the United States alone, and nearly 88,000 of them waiting for a kidney. The successful xenotransplant of pig organs could help address this critical shortage and provide a sustainable supply of organs for those in need.
Dr. Montgomery emphasized the importance of testing pig organs transplanted into humans in order to optimize the immunosuppression regimen and gene edits without risking the lives of living patients. This research could pave the way for future advancements in xenotransplantation and potentially save countless lives.
The breakthrough achieved by the NYU Langone Health scientists brings hope for the future of organ transplantation. As they continue their research and development efforts, the possibility of using genetically modified pig organs for human transplantation becomes increasingly viable. This could revolutionize the field of medicine and provide a lifeline for those waiting for life-saving organ transplants.
In conclusion, the successful functioning of a genetically engineered pig kidney in a human body for over two months represents a significant breakthrough in xenotransplantation. The groundbreaking research conducted at NYU Langone Health offers hope for the future of organ transplantation and provides valuable insights into managing pig organs in living humans. As scientists continue to explore this promising avenue, the possibility of addressing the organ shortage crisis becomes more tangible.
