Revolutionary Enzyme Technique Brings Us Closer to Universal Donor Organs for Transplantation

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of British Columbia have successfully tested a novel enzyme-based method that converts human kidneys into universal donors, potentially transforming the landscape of organ transplantation. This first-in-human experiment involved transplanting a kidney treated with specialized enzymes into a brain-dead recipient, a step that allowed scientists to observe the organ's immune response without risking a patient's life.

The procedure demonstrated remarkable results: for two days, the enzyme-treated kidney functioned without signs of hyperacute rejection, a rapid immune attack that typically occurs in mismatched transplants. Although minor immune reactions appeared by the third day, they were significantly milder than usual, indicating that the body was beginning to accept the organ.

This innovation stems from over a decade of dedicated research. The initial goal was to create universal blood type O by removing specific sugars, or antigens, that determine blood types. These antigens also coat blood vessels in organs, which can provoke rejection if mismatched. The team discovered two highly efficient enzymes that can strip these sugars from blood cells, making blood and organs type O and thus universally compatible.

The breakthrough achieved in 2022 involved converting lungs outside the body, and subsequent experiments showed the potential for transplanting enzyme-treated organs. An especially significant moment came in late 2023, when collaborators demonstrated that a human kidney treated with these enzymes could be successfully transplanted into a brain-dead recipient, highlighting the practical potential of this technology.

The enzymes act as molecular scissors, snipping off the 'nametags' that mark type A blood, revealing type O's neutral surface beneath. This process effectively renders the organ compatible with any recipient, greatly reducing the waiting time for blood-type incompatible patients and potentially saving many lives.

Looking ahead, regulatory approval for clinical trials is the next crucial step. A UBC spin-off company, Avivo Biomedical, is preparing to advance these enzymes for broader use in transplants and blood transfusions. This technology promises to overcome longstanding barriers in organ matching, leading to faster, safer, and more widespread transplantation options.

Overall, this advancement exemplifies how fundamental scientific research can translate into tangible benefits for patient care, bringing us closer to a future where organ shortages and transplant waiting times may become a thing of the past.