Pig-organ transplants are often rejected — researchers find a way to stop it
Summary
Article Date: 13 November 2025
Article URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03750-w
Article Image: https://media.nature.com/lw767/magazine-assets/d41586-025-03750-w/d41586-025-03750-w_51706648.jpg
Scientists report successfully preventing rejection of a genetically modified pig kidney transplanted into a 57-year-old brain-dead man; the organ functioned and survived for 61 days — the longest such survival in a human recipient. The kidney was transplanted with the pig’s thymus and came from a pig with GGAT1 removed to eliminate alpha-gal, a sugar that triggers immune attacks.
After initial good function, the kidney developed antibody-mediated rejection around day 33 which the team treated with plasma exchange, steroids and the complement inhibitor pegcetacoplan. A second episode on day 49 showed cellular (T-cell mediated) rejection that responded to a T-cell–depleting immunosuppressant, restoring kidney function. The experiment was concluded on day 61.
Key Points
- Transplant combined a GGAT1-knockout pig kidney with the pig’s thymus to help the recipient’s immune system recognise pig cells.
- The kidney survived 61 days in a brain-dead human, the longest reported for a genetically modified pig organ in a person.
- Rejection episodes included antibody-mediated and cellular rejection; both were reversed with targeted therapies (plasma exchange, pegcetacoplan, steroids, and T-cell depletion).
- Findings suggest rejection can be reversed and that thymus co-transplantation may improve outcomes.
- Results have implications for xenotransplantation and could inform better strategies for human-to-human transplants, though further research and ethical review are needed.
Context and relevance
The study addresses a major barrier to using animal organs — the human immune system’s rapid rejection. With organ shortages worldwide, xenotransplantation is a fast-moving field; these results provide practical immunological insights and potential treatments to extend graft survival. Researchers and clinicians should take notice as this could accelerate clinical trials and change immunosuppression strategies.
Author style
Punchy: this is a significant advance — not a ready-made cure but a clear demonstration that rejection can be treated in a human recipient. If you’re involved in transplant medicine, immunology or biotech, the full papers are worth reading for technical detail and clinical implications.
Why should I read this?
Short and blunt — this study shows a real path to keep pig organs working in people. It’s hopeful, practical and moves xenotransplantation from possibility towards something that might actually help patients. We’ve done the skimming; read the article if you want the science and the nitty-gritty.