Immunosuppressive regimens in porcine transplantation models

Abstract

Pigs, or Sus scrofa domestica, are commonly used animal models in translational transplantation research due to their anatomical, physiological, and immunological similarities to humans. In solid organ transplantation studies, immunosuppressive medications may be administered to pigs to prevent rejection. We provide an overview of the immunosuppressive regimens used in allogeneic solid organ transplantation in pigs, including heart, lung, kidney, bowel and cotransplanted organs and focus on the use of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids.

Keywords: Immunosuppression; Pig; Solid organ transplantation; Swine; Transplantation.