Genetically engineered porcine liver: a new era in transplantation

The persistent shortage of allogenic donor organs has driven the exploration of xenotransplantation as a viable alternative for patients with end-stage liver disease. This review investigates the progress and challenges in liver xenotransplantation, focusing on the use of genetically engineered animals, particularly pigs, as potential organ donors. This narrative review discusses various sources of xenografts, highlighting their advantages and limitations, and provides a historical overview of liver xenotransplantation, encompassing both clinical and experimental experiences. Key obstacles, such as immunological rejection, coagulation dysfunction, and the risk of zoonotic infections, are analyzed, with emphasis on how these challenges have been addressed through genetic modifications and adjunctive therapies. Recent clinical trials are also reviewed, offering insights into the outcomes and lessons learned from these pioneering efforts. We also explored the regulatory, legal, and ethical considerations critical to advancing liver xenotransplantation into clinical practice, along with future perspectives on the field’s evolution. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear understanding of the current state of liver xenotransplantation and the strategies being developed to overcome existing barriers, paving the way for future clinical applications.