Advances in overcoming immunological and physiological barriers in xenotransplantation

The growing number of patients with severe organ diseases, along with the increasing demand for retransplantations, has intensified the global shortage of donor organs – the primary limitation to expanding transplant programs. Advances in genetic engineering and cell therapy technologies are opening new opportunities for the use of animal organs in human transplantation. Enhancing the effi cacy and safety of this approach requires overcoming signifi cant immunological and physiological barriers inherent in xenotransplantation. This review summarizes recent progress in genetic modification of donor animals, use of cell-based therapy in xenotransplantation, and prospects for clinical application.