Physiologic and immunologic hurdles to xenotransplantation

The major problem in the field of renal transplantation is currently the sh ortage of available kidneys. However, the use of animals as a source of kid neys, i.e., xenotransplantation, is increasingly being viewed as a potentia l solution to this problem. One preeminent hurdle to xenotransplantation is the immune response of the recipient against the graft; other hurdles incl ude the physiologic limitations of the transplant, infection, and ethical c onsiderations. This review summarizes what is currently known regarding the obstacles to xenotransplantation and some potential solutions to those pro blems.