Scientists Transplant Genetically Modified Pig Lung into Brain-Dead Human Recipient

In a landmark medical achievement, Chinese scientists successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead 39-year-old man, with the organ remaining viable and functional for nine days. This first documented case of cross-species lung transplantation used a pig lung engineered with six gene edits to reduce immune rejection, and despite initial success, signs of immune response and inflammation appeared after a day. The experiment, conducted by Guangzhou Medical University and published in Nature Medicine, highlights the potential of xenotransplantation to address global organ shortages, though experts note significant challenges remain before clinical application is possible. While pig hearts, kidneys, and livers have previously been transplanted into humans, lungs are more complex due to their fragility and role in blood circulation, making this a crucial step forward. Researchers emphasize that further refinements in genetic modification and immunosuppressive therapy are needed to overcome rejection and infection hurdles. The study marks a significant milestone but underscores that widespread use of pig lungs for transplantation is still years away.