By 2025, CRISPR genome editing had accelerated xenotransplantation efforts by enabling targeted genetic modifications in pigs to make their organs more suitable for human transplantation.
May 29, 2025
high
temporal
Describes the role of CRISPR in enabling genetic modifications of pigs for organ transplant research.
In 2025, EGenesis reported engineering pigs with 10 gene knockouts or additions intended to prevent immune rejection and blood clotting problems, and disabling 59 porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) sequences embedded in the pig genome.
May 29, 2025
high
temporal
Technical description of a gene-editing approach applied to pigs to reduce immunological and viral risks for xenotransplantation.
For ethical reasons, xenotransplantation research has moved away from using chimpanzees and has instead focused on pigs, whose organs are comparable in size to human organs.
May 29, 2025
high
temporal
Explains a durable shift in animal models used for xenotransplantation research.
Avian influenza viruses can infect both birds and mammals, including pigs, cattle, and cats.
high
epidemiology
Host range of avian influenza viruses