Jan 21, 2009
An international team of scientists at the University of Munich have produced genetically engineered pigs that could help save human lives. The pig’s cells have been modified to protect them from destruction by human killer cells. The achievement is vital in the successful use of animal transplant organs.
Animal transplant organs are becoming increasingly important as a result of fewer people choosing to have their organs donated after death. The pig is considered the best suited for organ transplant, although as with other tissue transplants the potential of rejection poses a great challenge.
The human immune system is designed to protect against intruders, which means that transplanted tissues are also usually attacked until they are destroyed. This is especially true in the case of Xenotransplantation, the transplant of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another.
The genetically modified pigs have immune cells whose activities are driven by the surface receptors. Thus healthy cells belonging to the body carry the so-called MHC Class-I-Molecule on their surface, which bind to the retardant NK-cell receptors. This hinders the activation of the defense cells and the healthy cells are therefore not attacked.
Nic Topp
42021359
Source: http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/__PR/GIC/2009/01/21__Pigs__S.html
