Adhesive functions of both chains of VLA‐integrins are not fully conserved across the human–porcine species barrier: implications for xenotransplantation

Abstract

Integrin functions are not fully conserved across the pig-to-human species barrier. While the development of multi-transgenic pigs, whose integrins interact with human ligands in a more ''human-like'' manner may be necessary to facilitate tolerance induction, these facts give rise to new possibilities concerning super-selective immunosuppression.

Xenotransplantation Literature Update November–December 2005

“…Simon et al [21] investigated whether β1‐integrins, a family of adhesion molecules that are important for hematopoiesis, can successfully interact across the pig‐to‐human species barrier. They found that porcine and human cells interacted differently with their cross‐species ligands than their own, and that adhesive functions of the β1 chain were not fully conserved across the species barrier.…”