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Surgeons in China have reported the first successful transplantation of a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead human recipient, with the organ functioning for nine days. The study, led by researchers and published in Nature Medicine, used a donor pig with six genetic modifications designed to reduce immune rejection. The transplanted lung remained viable for 216 hours without triggering hyperacute rejection or infection, though it eventually showed damage from inflammation and immune responses despite strong immunosuppressive drugs.
This experimental work is part of xenotransplantation research, which aims to address the global shortage of donor organs—currently, only about 10% of the need is being met. Pig organs, including hearts, kidneys, and livers, have already been transplanted into humans in recent years, though survival outcomes vary. Lungs, however, pose extra challenges because of their constant exposure to the external environment, which makes them highly vulnerable to infection and immune attack.
Experts caution that while this is a valuable step, clinical use in patients is still far away. Dr Justin Chan from NYU Langone, not involved in the study, called it “exciting and promising work” but stressed it was a “qualified success” based on a single case. Andrew Fisher from Newcastle University noted that lung xenotransplantation remains particularly difficult due to the lung’s sensitive immune environment. Others, including Oxford’s Prof Peter Friend, highlighted that brain death itself may have influenced the results, complicating interpretation.
Researchers say more work is needed to refine genetic modifications, improve immunosuppressive treatments, and test long-term outcomes beyond the acute phase. In parallel, other strategies are being explored, such as regenerating damaged human donor lungs or growing humanised organs in animals. While pig lung transplantation is still an early-stage prospect, it contributes to the growing body of research aimed at overcoming the organ shortage crisis.
