Chinese Team Performs First Genetically Engineered Pig Lung Transplant into Brain-Dead Human

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A research team in China has successfully transplanted a lung from a genetically modified pig into a brain-dead individual for the first time. The team, led by He Jianxing, a professor at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, reported no signs of rejection, infection, or graft failure within the first three days following the procedure, according to a publication in Nature Medicine yesterday.

However, 24 hours after the transplant, the lung began to swell, and tissue damage caused by oxygen deprivation during surgery was observed. Antibodies attacked the organ on days three and six, resulting in damage that decreased by day nine. The study was halted at the request of the patient’s family.

The lung was sourced from a Bama miniature pig that underwent six genetic edits intended to reduce immune rejection risks following transplantation. With the global demand for organ transplants rising, xenotransplantation offers a promising solution to the donor shortage, according to the researchers. This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the field.

Looking ahead, the team plans to refine gene editing techniques and treatment strategies to better manage rejection and immune responses, ultimately extending the lifespan and functionality of transplanted organs. Additionally, they aim to incorporate their innovative tube-free technology into lung xenotransplantation experiments to minimize lung damage caused by mechanical ventilation and move toward clinical applications.

All procedures were conducted in strict accordance with Chinese laws, regulations, and ethical standards. The entire process was reviewed and overseen by the hospital’s ethics committee and multiple other organizations.