A Chinese medical team has achieved a world first by transplanting a genetically edited pig lung into a brain-dead human. The procedure, led by Professor He Jianxing of Guangzhou Medical University, used a pig with six targeted gene edits to minimize immune rejection. The operation followed standard single-lung transplant techniques, with the donor confirmed brain-dead and family consent obtained.
Over nine days of observation, the transplanted lung functioned normally, maintaining ventilation and gas exchange without hyperacute rejection or infection. Pathogen screening further confirmed safety.
The research team plans to refine gene-editing methods and anti-rejection treatments, while also working to reduce ventilator-related injury. Their ultimate goal is to advance xenogeneic lung transplantation toward clinical use.
Source: People’s Daily, August 27, 2025
https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2025/0827/c1002-40550713.html