Exploring Swine-Related Viruses and Virus Testing Strategies
In the late 1990s, a significant discovery was made in a research lab: Pig cells, obtained from a cell line, were found capable of infecting human cells in a test tube. This revelation led to a worldwide ban on pig-to-human transplants. However, fast forward to the present day, and the landscape has changed.
New Zealand, for one, has lifted the ban, allowing Living Cell Technologies (LCT) to conduct pig cell transplant research under stringent controls. LCT, an organisation known for its world-class molecular diagnostics lab, employs a meticulous approach to ensure the safety of their transplants.
The cornerstone of LCT's safety measures is the use of designated pathogen-free pigs as the source of pig cells. These pigs are kept in a pathogen-free facility and are tested regularly for about 30 different disease-causing pathogens.
Before transplanting, encapsulated pig cells undergo thorough testing. Recipients are also tested for up to two years post-transplant. LCT uses advanced techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and latex agglutination tests (LAT) to measure antibodies.
One potential concern with pig cell transplants is the presence of Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV), a retrovirus found in the DNA of all pigs. While it has the potential to produce infectious viral particles for other species, numerous studies since the 1990s have found no evidence of PERV infecting human cells. Moreover, PERV has never been found in recipients of pig tissue.
LCT responded swiftly during the H1N1 flu virus epidemic in 2009, testing their pigs to confirm they were free of the virus and continuing their research. The organisation also ensures their cells are free from pathogens by selecting appropriate pig breeds, using sensitive assays, and raising the pigs in a designated pathogen-free (DPF) unit.
A study published in 2016 reported no transmission of PERV during a DIABECELL clinical trial in Argentina, further bolstering the safety of LCT's pig cell transplants. These transplants are encapsulated to protect them from being rejected by the recipient's immune system.
In conclusion, LCT's rigorous testing and control measures have made pig cell transplants a viable and safe option for medical treatment. The organisation's commitment to safety and innovation continues to pave the way for advancements in the field of transplantation.
