xenotransfer

Xenotransfer refers to the transfer of biological material, typically cells, tissues, or organs, from one species to another. This practice is often explored in the context of xenotransplantation, the transplantation of non-human organs into human recipients. The primary goal of xenotransfer is to address the critical shortage of donor organs available for transplantation.

The most common source of organs for xenotransplantation is pigs, due to their physiological similarities to humans and their rapid breeding cycle. However, significant biological barriers exist, including immune rejection. The recipient's immune system can recognize the transplanted organ as foreign and mount a strong attack, leading to hyperacute rejection, acute rejection, or chronic rejection.

To overcome these barriers, various strategies are employed. Genetic modification of donor animals is a key area of research. This can involve altering genes to reduce the immunogenicity of the organ or introducing human genes to make it more compatible with the human immune system. For instance, removing pig genes that trigger strong immune responses and adding human genes that prevent complement activation are common approaches.

Another challenge is the risk of transmitting infectious agents, known as xenosis. Rigorous screening of donor animals and advanced processing techniques are crucial to minimize this risk. Despite the hurdles, xenotransfer holds promise as a potential solution to organ shortages and has been the subject of ongoing research and limited clinical trials.