Xenotransplantation workshop ponders science, safety of animal tissue grafts
Article Abstract:
Advances in molecular biology and the need for organ donations has lead scientists to look at ways to transplant organs from animals to humans. Some experts believe these xenografts could be very dangerous for the human population since animal donors may carry viruses that can mutate in the human body and cause disease. Scientists have been unable to stop the human immune system from rejecting the donated organ. Drugs and other therapies that inhibit the immune system may make humans more sensitive to infections of the donor animal. Scientists are researching genetically engineered animals, such as pigs, whose organs would be protected against the human immune response. They are working on methods to eliminate human antibodies against pig organs, mask substances on the donor organ that cause an immune reaction and prepare humans to receive the organs by transplanting bone marrow cells from the donor animal.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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The Future of Organ and Tissue Transplantation: Can T-Cell Costimulatory Pathway Modifiers Revolutionize the Prevention of Graft Rejection?
Article Abstract:
Drugs that block the second T-cell costimulatory pathway may prevent graft rejection in transplant patients without causing serious side effects. T cells can recognize cells that are foreign to the body, but a second step is required to activate them. If that step does not occur, the T cell is eliminated or will not react to that foreign cell anymore. Only those T cells would be eliminated or inactivated, leaving other T cells active. Most drugs that prevent graft rejection work by suppressing the entire immune system. They are costly, must be taken for life, and have side effects. Chronic immunosuppression also has serious consequences.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Prospects for Organ and Tissue Replacement
Article Abstract:
Artificial organs and donor organs were the mainstay of transplantation in the 20th century. In the 21st century, tissue engineering can be used to create tissues for transplantation, and stem cells can be injected into patients to grow into new tissues.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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