Xenotransplantation of Solid Organs: Revolutionizing Transplantation Through Innovation, Ethics, and Global Solutions

• Published in: Medical principles and practice pp. 1 - 18
• Main Author: Alobaidi, Sami
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland S. Karger AG 22.04.2025
• Subjects: Review; Genetic engineering; Non-Gal antigens; Porcine endogenous retroviruses; CRISPR-Cas9; Xenotransplantation
• ISSN: 1011-7571; 1423-0151; 1423-0151
• DOI: 10.1159/000546031

Xenotransplantation represents a transformative solution to the global organ shortage, leveraging advances in genetic engineering, immunosuppression, and biosecurity. This review explores groundbreaking innovations such as CRISPR-Cas9 and multi-gene editing, which have redefined immunogenicity reduction and significantly enhanced the graft survival. Key breakthroughs, including the incorporation of human complement-regulatory proteins and α-Gal knockout strategies, have propelled xenotransplantation closer to clinical application. Ethical considerations, such as zoonotic risks and patient selection criteria, are discussed alongside international regulatory efforts to standardize safety protocols. This manuscript uniquely highlights recent preclinical and clinical achievements, such as successful pig-to-human kidney and heart transplants, which underscore the field's potential for clinical translation. By addressing current challenges, such as long-term graft viability and societal acceptance, xenotransplantation is poised to bridge critical gaps in transplantation medicine. Future directions emphasize the integration of innovative technologies and collaborative frameworks to advance clinical applications responsibly.