Pig-to-human lung transplantation: Researchers in China have transplanted a lung from a genetically modified pig into a brain-dead human recipient, with the organ functioning for nine days. The achievement, reported in Nature Medicine, marks the first known case of its kind and represents a significant step in the emerging field of xenotransplantation, where animal organs are used to meet the global shortage of human donors.
According to the World Health Organization, only about 10% of the worldwide demand for transplants is currently met. Scientists hope xenotransplantation could help bridge that gap, although experts caution there is still a long way to go before pig lungs could be used in living patients.
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The lung used in the procedure came from a genetically modified Chinese Bama Xiang pig, altered with six specific changes to make it more compatible with the human immune system. The organ remained viable and avoided hyperacute rejection, a rapid and severe immune response, for more than 200 hours. No signs of infection were reported. However, within 24 hours, fluid buildup and transplant-related inflammation were observed. Over time, antibodies attacked the lung, leading to progressive damage.
Dr Justin Chan, a lung transplant surgeon at NYU Langone who was not involved in the work, described the study as “exciting and promising” but noted that the findings came from just one patient.
Andrew Fisher, a professor of respiratory transplant medicine at Newcastle University, said the findings were valuable, but he emphasised caution.
Unlike other pig organs, such as kidneys and hearts, which have already been transplanted into humans with varying levels of success, lungs pose unique challenges. Due to their constant exposure to air, pollution, and infections, the lungs’ highly active immune systems make them particularly vulnerable in transplant scenarios.
Researchers acknowledged these challenges and said the technique must be refined. “Continued efforts are needed to optimise immunosuppressive regimens, refine genetic modifications, enhance lung preservation strategies and assess long-term graft function beyond the acute phase,” they wrote.
Experts also noted that brain death itself complicates such studies, as it creates an inflammatory state that could influence transplant outcomes. Other approaches to organ shortages, including stem cell–based regeneration of donor organs or growing humanised organs in animals, are also being actively explored.
