A Novel Strategy for Xeno-Regenerative Therapy

Abstract

The shortage of organs for transplantation is of critical importance worldwide. Xenotransplantation or xeno-embryonic organ transplantation can stably supply organs and is considered to be an established alternative treatment. Regenerative medicine is another option, and recent advances in stem cell research have enabled the reproduction of miniature organs, called organoids, derived in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells. However, the in vitro production of large and complex organs that can efficiently function in vivo is not yet accomplished. We proposed a novel strategy for xenotransplantation in which a chimeric kidney is constructed by injecting human nephron progenitor cells into a porcine embryonic kidney, thereby eliminating pig nephron progenitor cells and allowing transplantation into a human and long-term survival. In this chapter, we discussed advantages and pitfalls of xenotransplantation and xeno-embryonic kidney transplantation. Recent attempts of human organoids and blastocyst complementation were reviewed. Finally, we proposed our novel xeno-regenerative therapeutic strategy.