Chinese scientists achieve first-of-its-kind lung transplant from genetically modified pig into human

Genetically modified pig lung keeps a brain‑dead human alive for nine days—ushering a new chapter in experimental organ transplantation. (Image: Pexels)

For the first time, Chinese researchers have successfully transplanted a genetically altered pig lung into a human, marking a significant medical advance in the experimental field of xenotransplantation.

The surgeons at Guangzhou Medical University performed this ground-breaking procedure, transplanting the left lung of a specially modified pig into a 39-year-old man who had been declared brain dead after suffering a severe brain haemorrhage.

It is significant to note that the recipient's right lung remained intact, providing crucial support and making it more difficult to evaluate the pig lung's capacity for independent functioning.

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Using CRISPR technology, six precise genetic edits were made to the donor pig, a Bama miniature. Researchers deactivated three pig genes associated with immune rejection, and added three human genes that control inflammation and immune response.

The main objective of the experiment was to make the organ more compatible with human physiology.

For the nine-day monitoring period, the lung successfully oxygenated the recipient's blood and expelled carbon dioxide, which are standard indicators of lung viability.

Notably, there was no hyperacute rejection—an immediate, catastrophic immune response frequently seen in such transplant attempts.

However, within 24 hours, early graft dysfunction was indicated by signs of fluid accumulation (edema).By day three, antibody‑mediated immune attacks further compromised the lung, and damage remained evident through day nine.

Experts are calling this a pivotal proof‑of‑concept—demonstrating feasibility rather than definitive readiness for clinical use. Lungs are inherently challenging for xenotransplantation, given their constant interaction with the environment and their delicate immune‑sensing tissues.

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Additionally, complexities stem from the systemic inflammation typically present in brain‑dead recipients, which may skew results.

Pioneers in the field herald the achievement as a promising step ahead, yet caution remains. Professor Andrew Fisher of Newcastle University notes that while promising, “there is much more work required, and we are not on the dawn of an era of lung xenotransplantation using pig lungs just yet.”

Future research will need to refine genetic editing, immunosuppressive protocols, lung preservation, and compatibility, with rigorous long‑term follow‑ups essential before this technique can be tried in living humans.