In a First, Scientists Transplant a Modified Pig Lung Into a Person
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Summary
Researchers have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a human being, with the organ functioning for over nine days, according to research published in Nature Medicine.
Scientists edited the pig’s genes to remove immune-triggering proteins that could cause an immune response and organ rejection.
Inflammation was observed, but the lung appeared to integrate with the recipient’s blood and support oxygen exchange.
The proof-of-concept experiment paves the way for further research into animal-to-human organ transplants, which could help address the current donor organ shortage.
Currently, more than 90,000 people in the US are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, with 3,000 waiting for a new heart.
