Surgeons in China have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead human recipient, where it functioned for nine days. The procedure, described in Nature Medicine, marks the first time such a transplant has been achieved and represents a significant step in the field of xenotransplantation, which aims to address the global shortage of donor organs. According to the World Health Organization, only around 10% of the worldwide demand for transplants is currently met.
The lung, taken from a genetically altered Chinese Bama Xiang pig with six modifications, was implanted into a 39-year-old male recipient. Researchers reported that the lung remained viable, avoided hyperacute rejection, and showed no signs of infection during the 216-hour period. However, fluid buildup and progressive antibody-mediated damage occurred despite strong immunosuppressive treatment, limiting long-term success.
Promise and Challenges Ahead
Experts emphasize that the experiment, while promising, remains an incremental step. Lungs are uniquely challenging for xenotransplantation due to their constant exposure to pathogens and pollutants, making rejection risks higher. Andrew Fisher of Newcastle University noted that the human recipient’s intact lung may have masked the full extent of the pig lung’s deterioration.
Other specialists, including Peter Friend from the University of Oxford, warned that inflammation linked to brain death complicates interpretation of the results. Researchers stressed that further work is needed to refine genetic modifications, improve immunosuppressive regimens, and ensure long-term function of pig lungs in humans.
While xenotransplantation advances continue with kidneys, hearts, and livers, alternative approaches are also under development. These include using stem cells to remodel donor organs, growing humanized organs in animals, and reconditioning marginal human lungs to make them suitable for transplant. Experts believe the latter could provide a more immediate solution to the organ shortage crisis.
