The function of transgenic human DAF-expressing porcine livers during hemoperfusion with human blood.

Extracorporal pig liver perfusion could bridge the deadly problem of acute human liver failure. However, preformed natural antibodies and complement activation (CA) are the predominant mechanisms of hyperacute xenogeneic rejection. The blockade of both pathways of CA in the xenograft, using transgenic livers expressing human decay accelerating factor on the endothelial surface results in prolonged graft survival and lower release of mediators.