Human stem cells implanted in pigs

Scientists have successfully managed to transfer human stem cells into pigs that have been especially genetically modified for the purpose.

The cells thrived following the transplant and researchers believe they are now one step closer to finding treatments for a number of human disease.

The rejection of transplanted cells by the host body is one of the major hurdles in stem cell research.

By managing to ensure pigs will accept human cells is a huge leap forward in stem cell therapy research, and could lead to treatments for patients with severe immune deficiency.

The past research into regenerative medicine has relied on rodent testing, but significant differences in the immune system of mice and people has put limits on the application of the findings.

One of the study's authors, Randall Prather, says: "Many medical researchers prefer conducting studies with pigs because they are more anatomically similar to humans than other animals such as mice or rodents. Physically, pigs are much close to the size and scale of humans than other animals, and they respond to health threats similarly.

"This means that research in pigs is more likely to have results similar to those in humans for many different tests and treatments."

WENN.com

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Human stem cells implanted in pigs