In a medical first, Chinese researchers conducted the world’s initial transplant of a gene-edited pig liver into a human recipient. It’s important to clarify that this wasn’t a standard transplant operation. The recipient was a brain-dead patient, functioning as a model for a real patient suffering from liver failure.

The goal of this procedure was to assess the viability of using gene-edited pig livers as replacements for human livers in transplants.  The pig used for the transplant came from a company called Chengdu-based Clonorgan Biotechnology. Scientists used CRISPR, a gene-editing technique, to modify the pig’s liver. Three specific pig antigens, known to cause organ rejection in humans, were removed.

This modification aimed to reduce the immune system’s attack on the foreign organ, a major hurdle in xenotransplantation (transplantation between different species). The success of this initial procedure offers promising possibilities for the future of organ transplantation.

However, it’s crucial to remember that this is just the first step. Further research is needed to determine the long-term viability of these transplants and address any potential risks. Additionally, ethical considerations surrounding animal-to-human transplants need to be thoroughly discussed before widespread use.

According to the Internet