A Tolerance Approach to Xenotransplantation

Project Narrative This is a highly synergistic program project grant engaging multidisciplinary expertise in order to accelerate the advancement of xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs from animals to humans, which is our best hope for overcoming the severe shortage of human organs for transplantation. We will use the most advanced genetic engineering techniques to rapidly modify miniature pigs that are close in size to humans and have been inbred for 45 years to provide a standardized, renewable source of organs for xenotransplantation. Animal models including rodents with robust human immune systems as well as non-human primates will use these genetically modified pigs in studies that will optimize immune tolerance induction to avoid graft rejection while assuring a well-functioning immune system and optimizing the function of transplanted pig organs.