New hope for cross-species transplantation

Experiments using genetically-engineered pigs to make them compatible with the human immune system are raising expectations about the prospects of cross-species transplantation as an option for patients with diabetes and other currently incurable diseases. However, many scientific hurdles remain before the ultimate goal of inducing long-term tolerance of animal tissues and organs in human recipients, according to a special paper in the journal Transplantation.

"The potential benefits of successful xenotransplantation to large numbers of patients with very differing clinical conditions remain immense, fully warranting the current efforts being made to work towards its clinical introduction," concludes the article. The lead author is Dr. David Cooper of Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

- here's the report on the transplantation report

Related Articles:
Early trial backs use of artificial skin tissue. Report
New type of cells developed for tissue repair. Report