Xenotransplantation: an overview of the field

Methods Mol Biol. 2012:885:1-16. doi: 10.1007/978-1-61779-845-0_1.

Abstract

Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of cells, tissues, or organs between different species, has the potential to overcome the current shortage of human organs and tissues for transplantation. In the last decade, the progress made in the field is remarkable, suggesting that clinical xenotransplantation procedures, particularly those involving cells, may become a reality in the not-too-distant future. However, several hurdles remain, mainly immunological barriers, physiological discrepancies, and safety issues, making xenotransplantion a complex and multidisciplinary discipline.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transplantation
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Organ Transplantation
  • Transplantation, Heterologous* / ethics
  • Transplantation, Heterologous* / immunology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous* / methods