Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: A recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant passed away about two months after the surgery, with no indication that the transplant caused the death.
What is Xenotransplantation?
It involves transplanting non-human animal cells, tissues, or organs into humans to address the shortage of donor organs for transplantation.
Why Pigs are used?
Pigs are commonly used due to their similar organ size, physiology, and immune system to humans. Organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs can be utilized. The process involves gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 to modify pig genes for better compatibility with humans.
Benefits include an alternative organ supply and reducing shortages, but concerns remain about organ rejection, infection risks, and animal welfare.
