Recombinant Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus in Miniature Swine
Author Information
Author(s): Martin Stanley I, Wilkinson Robert, Fishman Jay A
Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital
Hypothesis
Is there a recombinant porcine endogenous retrovirus present in miniature swine that could pose an infectious risk in xenotransplantation?
Conclusion
The study provides the first evidence of recombinant PERV-AC in the genomic DNA of transmitting miniature swine, suggesting a potential infectious risk in xenotransplantation.
Supporting Evidence
- PERV-AC recombinant virus was detected in the cellular DNA of all four transmitting animals.
- Sequencing revealed 98% homology with a previously published PERV-AC sequence from infected human cell lines.
- Non-transmitting swine showed no evidence of genomic DNA PERV-AC recombinant virus.
Takeaway
Some miniature pigs have a virus that could make people sick if we use their organs for transplants.
Methodology
PCR assays and coculture studies were performed on tissue samples from eight miniature swine to detect recombinant PERV.
Limitations
The study does not clarify whether the transmitting phenotype is stable or intermittent.
Participant Demographics
Inbred miniature swine, including both transmitting and non-transmitting phenotypes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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