Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation (the transplantation of viable organs, tissue or cells from one to another species) is proposed to alleviate the shortage of donors in replacing dysfunctional organs/cells in patients with end-stage organ failure. There are in vitro and in vivo models simulating distinct aspects of the procedure. The best comprehensive model is that of transplantation in old-world non-human primates (NHPs). This review focuses on NHP transplantation models and their predictive value for the human situation. It is recommended to carefully consider what can be achieved in any NHP model to warrant transition to clinical applications.

Section editors:Margreet Jonker, Michel Vierboom and Bert 't Hart – Biomedical Primate Research Centre BPRC, Rijswijk, The Netherlands