xenotransplants
Animal-to-human organs
Xenotransplants are organ or tissue transplants between different species—typically from animals into humans.
Pig heart valves have long been used in cardiac surgery, and researchers are developing genetically modified pig organs to address the shortage of human donor organs.
The prefix xeno- means foreign or strange.
The patient received a xenotransplant after years on the waiting list.
Denial of acceptance
- hyperacuteExcessively sharp or keen
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- immunosuppressantsDrugs reducing body defenses
tolerance · antigens · cross-species · immune response · cyclosporine · accommodation · sensitization · cytokines
Surgical removal for transplantation
- implantationEmbedding into tissue
- recipientOne who receives something
- graftIllicit political gain
- rejectionDenial of acceptance
immunosuppression · procedure · organ failure · compatibility · tissue typing · post-operative · heart valve · surgical team
Targeted genome modification technology
- gene editingTargeted DNA alteration
- decellularizationRemoving cells from tissue
- chimeraUnrealistic fantasy or hybrid
- organoidsLab-cultured tissue structures
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
- biosecurityProtection against biological threats
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
- screeningEvaluative selection process
viral transmission · pandemic risk · containment · prion · zoonosis · public health · epidemiology
Non-human health and treatment
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- commodificationTransforming into sellable goods
- sentienceCapacity for subjective experience
- religious objectionFaith-motivated opposition to something
exploitation · suffering · dignity · animal rights · speciesism · utilitarian · deontological · PETA
rejection
Denial of acceptance
- hyperacuteExcessively sharp or keen
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
immunosuppressants · tolerance · antigens · cross-species · immune response · cyclosporine · accommodation · sensitization · cytokines · inflammation
organ harvest
Surgical removal for transplantation
- implantationEmbedding into tissue
- recipientOne who receives something
- graftIllicit political gain
rejection · immunosuppression · procedure · organ failure · compatibility · tissue typing · post-operative · heart valve · surgical team · anastomosis
CRISPR-Cas9
Targeted genome modification technology
- gene editingTargeted DNA alteration
- decellularizationRemoving cells from tissue
- chimeraUnrealistic fantasy or hybrid
infection
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
- biosecurityProtection against biological threats
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
screening · viral transmission · pandemic risk · containment · prion · zoonosis · public health · epidemiology
animal welfare
Non-human health and treatment
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- commodificationTransforming into sellable goods
- sentienceCapacity for subjective experience
religious objection · exploitation · suffering · dignity · animal rights · speciesism · utilitarian · deontological · PETA · informed consent