Heart transplantation in baboons using alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pigs as donors: initial experience

Nat Med. 2005 Jan;11(1):29-31. doi: 10.1038/nm1171. Epub 2004 Dec 26.

Abstract

Hearts from alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout pigs (GalT-KO, n = 8) were transplanted heterotopically into baboons using an anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody-based regimen. The elimination of the galactose-alpha1,3-galactose epitope prevented hyperacute rejection and extended survival of pig hearts in baboons for 2-6 months (median, 78 d); the predominant lesion associated with graft failure was a thrombotic microangiopathy, with resulting ischemic injury. There were no infectious complications directly related to the immunosuppressive regimen. The transplantation of hearts from GalT-KO pigs increased graft survival over previous studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Disaccharides / immunology*
  • Disaccharides / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Galactosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Galactosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Papio
  • Swine
  • Transplantation, Heterologous* / immunology

Substances

  • Disaccharides
  • galactosyl-(1-3)galactose
  • Galactosyltransferases