Core Insights - The research team from Guangzhou Medical University has successfully conducted the world's first case of gene-edited pig lung transplantation into a brain-dead human, maintaining ventilation and gas exchange for 9 days without acute rejection [1][3][4] - This breakthrough aims to address the organ shortage issue by providing a stable and controllable source of donor organs through xenotransplantation [1][4] Group 1: Research Details - The pig lung used in the transplantation was genetically edited at six sites to reduce immune risks upon transplantation into humans [4] - The study adhered to national laws and ethical guidelines, with the brain-dead patient’s family consenting to the research [4] - The research is seen as a significant step in the field of xenotransplantation, with plans to optimize gene editing strategies and anti-rejection treatments to extend the survival and functionality of transplanted organs [4][5] Group 2: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite the initial success, challenges remain, including the need to validate the lung's functionality, long-term stability, and the burden of immunosuppressive therapy [5][6][8] - The World Health Organization reports a severe imbalance in organ supply and demand in China, with approximately 300,000 patients waiting for transplants and only about 15,000 available organs annually [7] - The potential of xenotransplantation is highlighted by previous successful cases of pig organ transplants, but issues such as antibody-mediated rejection and viral risks from pig organs still need to be addressed [8][9]