May 22, 2019
Keio University School of Medicine
Saga University
Project Professor Eiji Kobayashi and his team at the Keio University School of Medicine have successfully developed a pig model whose immunodeficient state can be adjusted using surgical methods. In addition, by using this technology, Assistant Professor Manabu Ito, Professor Koichi Nakayama, and their team at the Saga University School of Medicine verified the efficacy and safety of artificial blood vessels derived from human cells, which were created using a bio-3D printer.
For verifying the efficacy and safety of human cell-derived regenerative medicine products, preclinical trials (transplantation studies) using laboratory animals similar in size to humans, such as pigs, have been desired over those using mice or rats. However, controlling the xenogeneic immune response that occurs when human cell-derived products are transplanted into pigs is difficult, and preclinical trials in pigs were considered challenging.
The immunodeficient pig model successfully created in this study can be used to verify the efficacy and safety of human cell-derived regenerative medicine products. In addition, it is expected to be useful for research on creating human organs within the bodies of pigs.
The results of this research were published in the online edition of the general science journal "Nature Communications" on May 21, 2019.
Please see below for the full press release.