Abstract
There is a continuing worldwide shortage of organs from deceased human donors for transplantation into patients with end-stage organ failure. Genetically engineered pigs could resolve this problem, and could also provide tissues and cells for the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and corneal blindness.
The current literature has been reviewed.
The pathobiologic barriers are now largely defined. Research progress has advanced through the increasing availability of genetically engineered pigs and novel immunosuppressive agents. Life-supporting pig kidneys and islets have functioned for months or years in nonhuman primates.
The potential risk of transfer of a pig infectious microorganism to the recipient continues to be debated.
Increased attention is being paid to selection of patients for initial clinical trials.
Most of the advances required to justify a clinical trial have now been met.
