Xenotransplantation
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Imutran,
purchased by Novartis, was one of the first companies to attempt the
creation of transgenic animals as a source for whole organs that could be
implanted into humans without producing an immediate and massive
immunological response. While some concern remains about the possibility
of retroviral contamination there is no doubt that this is currently the
technique most able to address a shortage of organs, the major issue in
transplantation surgery.
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Using Human
Cells for Artificial Organs and Reconstructive Surgery
It is conceivable, in the longer term, that organs (hearts, kidneys and
livers) will be grown on biocompatible frames using cells of the right
type. This could be achieved using donor stem cells which are encouraged
to differentiate in the correct way, or the patient’s own cells
de-differentiated to become capable of multiplying, and then
re-differentiated, to colonise the frame and create a new organ. Where
possible the autologous route is likely to be preferred because there
would be no need for the immunosuppression that would usually be required
with donor cells. Reconstructive surgery will undoubtedly benefit from
these techniques but it will also be one route by which corrective genes
and growth factors might be introduced into a patient.
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