First human transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney performed
npr.org
npr.org
>> The porcine donor was engineered to carry 69 genomic edits, eliminating glycan antigens, overexpressing human transgenes and inactivating porcine endogenous retroviruses. In vitro functional analyses showed that the edited kidney endothelial cells modulated inflammation to an extent that was indistinguishable from that of human endothelial cells, suggesting that these edited cells acquired a high level of human immune compatibility.
>> The Yucatan miniature pig breed was chosen because its organ sizes are comparable to human organs28. In addition, pigs with OO blood type were selected to eliminate ABO blood-type incompatibilities29.