JOURNAL ARTICLE

Porcine endogenous retroviruses in xenotransplantation.

  • Published In: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 2024, v. 39, n. 8. P. 1221 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Denner, Joachim 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the role and risks of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) in xenotransplantation, the transplantation of pig cells, tissues, or organs into humans to address the shortage of human donor organs. PERVs are integrated into the genome of all pigs and can infect certain human cells, posing a theoretical risk of viral transmission and associated diseases such as tumors or immunodeficiencies. Despite this, no PERV transmission has been observed in extensive preclinical trials involving non-human primates or in clinical trials with human recipients, including recent pig heart transplants. Various strategies to prevent PERV transmission have been developed, including selecting pigs with low PERV expression, gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9, antiretroviral drugs, and vaccines. Sensitive detection methods are essential for monitoring PERV presence, but the overall risk of PERV transmission in xenotransplantation remains uncertain and under ongoing investigation.

Additional Information

  • Source:Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 2024/08, Vol. 39, Issue 8, p1221
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Consumer Health
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0931-0509
  • DOI:10.1093/ndt/gfae023
  • Accession Number:178718836
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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