[Research and application progress for liver xenotransplantation].

Abstract

Liver transplantation is an effective treatment method for many end-stage liver diseases; however, the shortage of donor livers is one of the main obstacles affecting its development. Thus, xenotransplantation is expected to be a potential way to solve the shortage of organs. Gene editing technology has been used to improve animal genes so they can enhance their physiological compatibility with humans, and new immunosuppressive drugs are combined to reduce the occurrence of rejection so as to prolong the survival time of grafts. Liver xenotransplantation is more prominent than that of the heart or kidney transplants, and the related molecular mechanisms, such as xenogeneic rejection and coagulation disorders after surgery, need to be further studied due to the more complex structure and physiological functions of the liver. This paper reviews the historical development, current main problems, and clinical applications based on the latest research progress at home and abroad, with aim to improve clinicians' understanding of liver xenotransplantation.