Xenotransplantation offers a potential interim or definitive solution to the severe shortage of human organs and pancreatic islets. However, there are multiple barriers to successful clinical xenotransplantation, including immunologic rejection of non-human organs and tissues by the human immune system, physiological differences between non-human and human molecules that prevent proper functioning of various biochemical pathways, and potential transmission of zoonoses. To address these challenges, Immunobiology of Xenotransplantation Cooperative Research Program (IXCRP) was established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in 2005 with a co-fund for type 1 diabetes from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Subsequently, NIAID renewed the program in 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2025. The scope of the program was expanded in 2025 to include human decedent models of xenotransplantation.
The IXCRP supports research in preclinical nonhuman primate (NHP) and human decedent models of porcine pancreatic islet, kidney, heart, lung, or liver xenotransplantation. IXCRP’s overarching goal is to develop safe and effective strategies to enable clinical xenotransplantation.
Main Areas of Focus
- Develop or optimize xenotransplantation models, including genetic modifications of the pig-donor to address FDA concerns, as well as refinement of surgical xenotransplantation techniques.
- Develop or optimize immunosuppression regimen to prevent rejection and minimize toxicity.
- Characterize and resolve physiological and immunological barriers to long-term xenograft survival.
- Develop or optimize strategies to screen for and prevent pathogen transmission to recipients.