Publication Database

Comprehensive protocols for detecting xenotransplantation-relevant viruses (2025)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Jhelum, Hina (WE 5)

Kaufer, Benedikt B. (WE 5)

Denner, Joachim (WE 5)

Quelle

Methods and protocols

Bandzählung: 8

Heftzählung: 5

Seiten: Artikel 109 (17 Seiten)

ISSN: 2409-9279

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9279/8/5/109

DOI: 10.3390/mps8050109

Pubmed: 40981227

Kontakt

Institut für Virologie

Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 51833
virologie@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

Xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues, or organs is advancing toward clinical application to address the shortage of human donor organs for treating organ failure. However, this emerging technology carries the risk of transmitting pathogenic porcine microorganisms, particularly viruses. The recent transmission of a porcine herpesvirus to the first human recipient of a pig heart highlights the urgent need for more rigorous screening of donor pigs. To identify potentially pathogenic porcine viruses, highly sensitive and specific detection methods are required. PCR-based techniques able to detect porcine cytomegalovirus/porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), porcine circoviruses (PCV1-4), porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV-1-3), porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), porcine parvovirus (PPV), Torque teno sus viruses (TTSuV1,2), atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) and SARS-CoV-2 were established. Immunological assays that detect antibodies as indirect indicators of infection were established for PCMV/PRV, HEV, PLHVs and PERVs. Since most veterinary laboratories focus on detecting viruses that are pathogenic to pigs and cause economic losses to the swine industry, screening for viruses relevant to xenotransplantation should be conducted in specialized virological diagnostic units. In this context, we present a complete collection of the newest and detailed protocols for comprehensive viral screening, along with guidance on how to implement these methods effectively.