In a major breakthrough, Chinese scientists have performed the world’s first pig-to-human lung transplant, with mixed results. The procedure involved placing a genetically modified pig’s lung into a brain-dead man, with the organ sustaining damage but functioning to some degree. The experiment was conducted at Guangzhou Medical University and reported in the journal Nature Medicine.
The attempt was met with excitement by scientists, who see it as a promising step towards overcoming the challenges of human lung transplantation. However, experts also cautioned that more work is needed to make this procedure feasible. Dr. Stephanie Chang, an associate professor in cardiothoracic surgery at N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine, noted that while the result was “very promising,” there are many hurdles to overcome.
The Chinese scientists transplanted the left lung of a genetically modified pig into a 39-year-old man who had undergone six gene edits. The procedure left his functioning right lung in place, which raised questions about the transplant’s effectiveness. Critics argued that the experiment missed an opportunity to assess the organ’s performance by blocking off blood flow to the donor lung.
The pig’s lung suffered damage within 24 hours of transplantation and showed signs of antibody-mediated rejection, a common cause of transplant failure. Fluid buildup was also observed in the lung. These findings highlight the challenges of using animal organs for human transplantation due to their unique immune responses.
Despite these setbacks, researchers remain optimistic about the potential of genetically modified pigs as organ donors. Other experiments have successfully transplanted kidneys and livers from pigs into humans, with promising results. The next step is to further refine this technology to make it more effective and widely available.
The shortage of human lungs for transplantation remains a pressing issue, with millions suffering from severe lung disease. With the advent of genetically modified pig organs, hope may be on the horizon for patients in need of a lifesaving transplant.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/25/health/lung-transplant-pig-human.html