Xenotransplantation: Current Situation and Future Perspective
<p id="p1">This chapter aims to explore the history of xenotransplant, contemporary practices, ethical considerations, and the challenges associated with xenotransplantation. Due to the persistent scarcity of donor organs available for transplantation, various alternative sources are under investiga...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Book Chapter |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
IntechOpen
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/1209211 |
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| Summary: | <p id="p1">This chapter aims to explore the history of xenotransplant, contemporary practices, ethical considerations, and the challenges associated with xenotransplantation. Due to the persistent scarcity of donor organs available for transplantation, various alternative sources are under investigation, one of which is xenotransplantation—transplanting organs from one species to another. Among nonhuman primates, porcine is considered the most suitable species for organ usage, as they grow to human size in just a few months. Significant progress has been made in the genetic engineering of pigs, whose hearts closely resemble human hearts in both structure and function. Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in overcoming immune barriers in xenotransplantation, helping to prevent T-cell-mediated and hyperacute rejection. Although using large animal models for orthotopic heart transplants presents technical challenges, the approach holds promise. Despite some religious prohibitions on pork, leaders in Muslim and Jewish traditions generally consider porcine organ donation ethical, as it saves lives. While technological advances have reduced the risk of xenografts transmitting novel viruses, this danger remains and has serious implications for the informed consent process in clinical xenotransplantation research.</p> |
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| ISBN: | 978-1-83769-443-3 |
| DOI: | 10.5772/intechopen.1008687 |