Overview
- Researchers from Canada and China report the first human-model use of an enzyme-converted A→O kidney in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
- The organ produced urine and showed no hyperacute rejection for two days in a brain-dead recipient, with a mild immune response and A-antigen reappearance by day three.
- The procedure employs glycosidase enzymes during ex vivo perfusion to strip A antigens, shifting the focus to modifying the organ rather than desensitizing the patient.
- The approach could broaden access for people with type O blood, who make up a large share of waiting lists and typically wait longer for transplants.
- UBC scientists and Avivo Biomedical are advancing the enzyme platform, with durability, safety, and long-term outcomes identified as key unanswered questions.