Replacement organs of pigs in humans transplantable?

Experts succeed great breakthrough in the transplantation of organs
A vision of genetic engineering is the use of the organs of genetically modified animals for human transplants. Researchers were now able to genetically modify 37 pigs so that existing viruses were removed from their DNA. The experts are overcoming one of the biggest barriers to transplanting organs from pigs to humans.

The scientists at the world-renowned Harvard University and the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with several other universities, succeeded in freeing the organs of genetically modified pigs from certain viruses in their current study. As a result, the transplantation of porcine organs into the human body is likely to be possible in the near future, the researchers report. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Science".

Organ transplants can save people's lives and greatly improve the health of those affected. It becomes problematic when organs of animals are to be transplanted into humans. Physicians were now able to remove dangerous viruses from the DNA of pigs and so could the organs of these animals may be used in the near future for transplantation into humans. (Image: Kadmy / fotolia.com)

Experts are discovering 25 porcine endogenous retroviruses in the genetic code of pigs
It is a great challenge to change the DNA of pigs so that their organs are not rejected by the human body after transplantation. However, the new results are a promising first step, the researchers say. The scientists started their investigation on the skin cells of a pig. They identified 25 so-called porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV), which were hidden in the pig's genetic code.

Viruses from animal organs led to the infection
In experiments, human and porcine cells were mixed together. It was found that the viruses could escape to then infect the human tissue. The researchers therefore used so-called gene editing technology to remove these retroviruses.

Researchers create first pigs without PERV
Subsequently, the physicians used the same clone technology that was already used in the claw sheep Dolly to inject the genetic material from these cells into a pig egg to produce embryos. So later 37 healthy piglets were born. These 37 animals are the first pigs without PERV. Luhan Yang. The pigs are also the most genetically modified animals so far, when it comes to the number of genetic modifications.

Results could reduce the waiting time for organ transplants in the future
If so-called xenotransplantation (transplanting organs of one species into another species) works, then in the future the waiting times for a transplantation could be greatly reduced. In the US alone, more than 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant.

Further research is needed
"We are at a very early stage of research and development," the researchers emphasize. A world where people do not fear a lack of organs to transplant remains so far a great vision.

Pigs are particularly suitable for xenotransplantation
Pigs are particularly promising for xenotransplantation because their organs are similar in size to humans. In addition, such animals can easily be bred in large numbers.

Further genetic changes are needed
The removal of the viruses, however, was only part of the challenge. Even organs donated by humans can cause a strong immune reaction. This leads to a rejection after a transplant. The research team investigated further genetic changes to make porcine organs more acceptable to the human immune system. The study was a promising first step in the development of genetic strategies for the creation of pigs, which eliminated the risk of transmitting retroviruses. It remains to be seen whether the results of the study will translate into a completely safe organ transplantation strategy, experts say.