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Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering of the donor is a powerful asset that will incite the success of the pig-to-human heart xenotransplantation. The transplantation of organs from wild-type (genetically unmodified) pigs into humans resulted in hyper-acute rejection. As a result, genetic engineering of the pig as an organ source is an introduced technique that will improve the survival of the relocated pig heart. 

 

The latest xenotransplantation that was performed at the University of Maryland Center (UMMC) removed three pig genes that trigger attacks from the human immune system (Alpha-Gal, Cmah, and Beta-4-gal) and added six human genes, which included two human complement inhibitor genes (CD46 and DAF), two genes that promote normal blood coagulation (prevents blood vessel damage) (EPCR and Thrombomodulin), and two human immune-modulating genes (CD47 and HO1).

 

In addition, a new drug from Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals in combination with other anti-rejection drugs were used by the surgical team to help suppress the patient’s immune system and for the prevention of HAR. Implementing those genetic modifications and the usage of proper medications will therefore increase the success of the procedure.



 


Citation: 

Kobashigawa, J. (2022). Pig-to-Human Heart Transplantation: Culmination of Technology and Ingenuity. Retrieved from Science Direct: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/271126/1-s2.0-S0003497521X00045/1-s2.0-S0003497522000741/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEPr%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQCFaf2j2oCDWKxARR8tmlcJSzAKBZQoO%2Fp3m8g%2FStLUAgIgFpAIMjPi

Hansen, J. (2022, January 20). The 10-gene pig and other medical science advances enabled UAB's transplant of a pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient. UAB News. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://www.uab.edu/news/research/item/12567-the-10-gene-pig-and-other-medical-science-advances-enabled-uab-s-transplant-of-a-pig-kidney-into-a-brain-dead-human-recipient 


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