Nature.com
Pig-organ transplants are often rejected — researchers find a way to stop it - Nature
The Bottom Line
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have successfully managed to prevent the rejection of a genetically modified pig kidney transplanted into a brain-dead man for 61 days, marking the longest survival of such an organ in a human. This advancement, published in two studies in Nature, identifies critical factors that lead to organ rejection by the human immune system. The kidney, along with a pig thymus, was implanted on July 14, 2023, at New York University Langone. The thymus helped the recipient's immune system recognize the pig cells, significantly improving the kidney's longevity. Despite experiencing rejection episodes at day 33 and day 49, the research team effectively restored kidney function with treatments including plasma replacement and immunosuppressants. This development offers hope for enhancing the viability of organ transplants from genetically modified pigs, potentially benefiting living recipients in the future.
Patient Takeaways
- Learn about advancements in organ transplantation, as genetically modified pig organs may become viable options in the future.
- Understand the importance of immunosuppressive therapies in organ transplantation, as they can help manage rejection episodes.
- Stay informed about ongoing research and developments in xenotransplantation, which could significantly improve organ availability for transplant recipients.
Information Source
This is a summary of an article from a third-party source. For the full context and original research, please read the full article.
Read Full Article at Nature.comFind a Relevant Specialist
Looking for a specialist to discuss this topic? Use our directory to find a verified provider near you.
More from Nature.com
Structure-guided design of a synthetic bile acid that inhibits Clostridioides difficile TcdB toxin - Nature
Nov 18, 2025
Long COVID trajectories in the prospectively followed RECOVER-Adult US cohort - Nature
Nov 17, 2025
CRISPR vs cholesterol: can gene editing prevent heart disease? - Nature
Nov 13, 2025