Immune reactions found behind human rejection of transplanted pig kidneys
Researchers have uncovered and then overcome an obstacle that has led to the failure of pioneering efforts in xenotransplantation, in which an animal kidney is transplanted into a human.
More than 800,000 Americans have late-stage kidney disease yet only 3% receive a transplant each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To boost the supply of available organs, experts are exploring the use of genetically modified pig kidneys. The genetic changes are meant to keep the human ...