Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):9-15

doi:10.12464/j.issn.1674-7445.2025232

Research progress on the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation

Kankan SHUI 1 ; Haoran ZHOU 1 ; Ye XU 2 ; Qiulin LUO 2 ; Tengfang LI 1 ; Hedong ZHANG 1 ; Longkai PENG 1 ; Helong DAI 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Xenotransplantation; Rejection; Antigen-presenting cell; Macrophage; Dendritic cell; B cell; Immune regulation; Immune tolerance

Country

China

Language

Chinese

Abstract

Organ transplantation is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of donor organs has limited the widespread application of clinical transplantation. In recent years, breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology have overcome the barrier of hyperacute rejection in xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. Rejection remains a critical factor affecting graft survival. Antigen-presenting cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of rejection and immune regulation in xenotransplantation. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation is of great significance. This article summarizes the roles and therapeutic strategies of professional antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells in xenotransplantation, aiming to provide insights for future research on immune regulation mechanisms in this field.