University of British Columbia researchers successfully transplanted the first kidney enzymatically converted from blood type A to universal type O, potentially marking a huge shift in organ transplantation. The process uses enzymes that act like molecular scissors to clip off the A antigens from the organ surface during standard perfusion, taking about one hour compared to days of antibody removal and intense treatment for the recipient. Scientists add the enzymes to perfusion fluid already used to preserve organs between donation and transplant, then flush them out before implanting the kidney. The converted kidney was well tolerated with no antibody rejection for two days, though some challenges emerged on day three when A antigens began regenerating.
Traditional methods require changing the patient through days of antibody removal and heavy immune system drugs, but this new approach changes the organ instead, allowing faster procedures with fewer complications. The technology could increase organ availability by removing the need to match blood types and only requiring HLA matching, potentially saving both lives and healthcare costs for dialysis patients on waiting lists. Researcher Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu says the process is simple and could be easily implemented worldwide once it receives regulatory approval after more testing. One scientist not involved in the study called it revolutionary and said if the technique can be applied to remove HLA antigens too, it could be the Holy Grail of transplantation where patients don’t need immune drugs at all.
