Swine as an allotransplantation model

Abstract

Because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, pigs are well suited for solving technical problems associated with clinical transplantation. The availability of genetically defined strains of miniature swine is unique with this species, and has permitted the investigation, in a large animal model, of immunological and genetic aspects of allograft rejection, clinical manifestations associated with bone marrow transplantation, and the feasibility of various approaches for induction of transplantation tolerance. Immunological assays and various reagents are also available in order to pursue these studies.