Understanding Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting animal organs into humans, is increasingly being explored as a solution to the organ shortage crisis, where over 100,000 people in the U.S. await life-saving transplants. The procedure comes with significant challenges, primarily related to the human immune system's response to foreign organs, which is much stronger when it comes to pig organs than human ones. Doctors require higher doses of immunosuppressant drugs for patients receiving these transplants, as animal organs may be rejected more quickly without careful management. As research progresses, scientists like Dr. Mohammad Mohoudin are working on refining gene edits to make pig organs more compatible with human bodies, hoping for successful outcomes in future trials.