What strain of pig should be used?

Bioengineering the Vascularized Endocrine Pancreas: A Fine-Tuned Interplay Between Vascularization, Extracellular-Matrix-Based Scaffold Architecture, and Insulin-Producing Cells

Intrahepatic islet transplantation is a promising β-cell replacement strategy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Instant blood-mediated inflammatory reactions, acute inflammatory storm, and graft revascularization delay limit islet engraftment in the peri-transplant phase, hampering the success rate of the procedure. Growing evidence has demonstrated that islet engraftment efficiency may take advantage of several bioengineering approaches aimed to recreate both vascular and endocrine compartments either ex vivo or in vivo. To this end, endocrine pancreas bioengineering is an emerging field in β-cell replacement, which might provide endocrine cells with all the building blocks (vascularization, ECM composition, or micro/macro-architecture) useful for their successful engraftment and function in vivo. Studies on reshaping either the endocrine cellular composition or the islet microenvironment have been largely performed, focusing on a single building block element, without, however, grasping that their synergistic effect is indispensable for correct endocrine function. Herein, the review focuses on the minimum building blocks that an ideal vascularized endocrine scaffold should have to resemble the endocrine niche architecture, composition, and function to foster functional connections between the vascular and endocrine compartments. Additionally, this review highlights the possibility of designing bioengineered scaffolds integrating alternative endocrine sources to overcome donor organ shortages and the possibility of combining novel immune-preserving strategies for long-term graft function.

Distributions of endocrine cell clusters during porcine pancreatic development

Background

Pancreatic islet xenotransplantation is a potential treatment for diabetes mellitus, and porcine pancreas may provide a readily available source of islets. Islets in juvenile pigs are smaller than those in young adult pigs, but the insulin content is very similar. In addition, as juvenile pigs are more easily reared in uncontaminated conditions, many researchers have conducted studies using pancreatic islets from juvenile pigs. We aimed to analyze the distributions of endocrine cell clusters by comprehensively evaluating juvenile porcine pancreatic development and to propose an appropriate age at which islets could be isolated from the juvenile porcine pancreas.

Methods

Splenic (SL) and duodenal lobe (DL) samples were collected from the pancreases of pigs aged 0–180 days (n = 3/day after birth). The chronological changes in endocrine cell clustering were analyzed in relation to morphological changes, cell characterization, numbers, islet areas, and gene expression.

Results

In juvenile pigs aged 0–21 days, the pancreas contained numerous endocrine cells, and compact islets appeared from 21 days of age. Well-defined small islets were seen at 28 days of age, and the clusters were denser in the SL than in the DL. At 35 days of age, the islets were morphologically similar to those observed at 180 days of age, and the greater number of islets was similar to that seen at 90 days of age. The differences in the islets’ cytoarchitecture between the lobes were negligible. The expression of β-cell-related genes was higher in the juvenile pancreas than in the adult pancreas, and the expression of neurogenin-3 decreased dramatically over time.

Conclusions

These findings may have implications for attempts to refine the most appropriate age for islet isolation from porcine donors. Focusing on porcine pancreatic islets isolated at around 35 days after birth may offer benefits regarding their xenotransplantation potential.

Pathogen elimination and prevention within a regulated, Designated Pathogen Free, closed pig herd for long-term breeding and production of xenotransplantation materials

BACKGROUND

We established a Source Animal (barrier) Facility (SAF) for generating designated pathogen-free (DPF) pigs to serve as donors of viable organs, tissues, or cells for xenotransplantation into clinical patients. This facility was populated with caesarian derived, colostrum deprived (CDCD) piglets, from sows of conventional-specific (or specified) pathogen-free (SPF) health status in six cohorts over a 10-month period. In all cases, CDCD piglets fulfilled DPF status including negativity for porcine circovirus (PCV), a particularly environmentally robust and difficult to inactivate virus which at the time of SAF population was epidemic in the US commercial swine production industry. Two outbreaks of PCV infection were subsequently detected during sentinel testing. The first occurred several weeks after PCV-negative animals were moved under quarantine from the nursery into an animal holding room. The apparent origin of PCV was newly installed stainless steel penning, which was not sufficiently degreased thereby protecting viral particles from disinfection. The second outbreak was apparently transmitted via employee activities in the Caesarian-section suite adjacent to the barrier facility. In both cases, PCV was contained in the animal holding room where it was diagnosed making a complete facility depopulation-repopulation unnecessary.

METHOD

Infectious PCV was eliminated during both outbreaks by the following: euthanizing infected animals, disposing of all removable items from the affected animal holding room, extensive cleaning with detergents and degreasing agents, sterilization of equipment and rooms with chlorine dioxide, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and potassium peroxymonosulfate, and for the second outbreak also glutaraldehyde/quaternary ammonium. Impact on other barrier animals throughout the process was monitored by frequent PCV diagnostic testing.

RESULT

After close monitoring for 6 months indicating PCV absence from all rooms and animals, herd animals were removed from quarantine status.

CONCLUSION

Ten years after PCV clearance following the second outbreak, due to strict adherence to biosecurity protocols and based on ongoing sentinel diagnostic monitoring (currently monthly), the herd remains DPF including PCV negative.

Pig-to-Primate Islet Xenotransplantation: Past, Present, and Future

Islet allotransplantation results in increasing success in treating type 1 diabetes, but the shortage of deceased human donor pancreata limits progress. Islet xenotransplantation, using pigs as a source of islets, is a promising approach to overcome this limitation. The greatest obstacle is the primate immune/inflammatory response to the porcine (pig) islets, which may take the form of rapid early graft rejection (the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction) or T-cell-mediated rejection. These problems are being resolved by the genetic engineering of the source pigs combined with improved immunosuppressive therapy. The results of pig-to-diabetic nonhuman primate islet xenotransplantation are steadily improving, with insulin independence being achieved for periods >1 year. An alternative approach is to isolate islets within a micro- or macroencapsulation device aimed at protecting them from the human recipient's immune response. Clinical trials using this approach are currently underway. This review focuses on the major aspects of pig-to-primate islet xenotransplantation and its potential for treatment of type 1 diabetes.

Optimal pig donor selection in islet xenotransplantation: current status and future perspectives

Islet transplantation is an attractive treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Xenotransplantation, using the pig as a donor, offers the possibility of an unlimited supply of islet grafts. Published studies demonstrated that pig islets could function in diabetic primates for a long time (>6 months). However, pig-islet xenotransplantation must overcome the selection of an optimal pig donor to obtain an adequate supply of islets with high-quality, to reduce xeno-antigenicity of islet and prolong xenograft survival, and to translate experimental findings into clinical application. This review discusses the suitable pig donor for islet xenotransplantation in terms of pig age, strain, structure/function of islet, and genetically modified pig.

Magnetic resonance imaging: a tool to monitor and optimize enzyme distribution during porcine pancreas distention for islet isolation

Porcine islet xenotransplantation is emerging as a potential alternative for allogeneic clinical islet transplantation. Optimization of porcine islet isolation in terms of yield and quality is critical for the success and cost-effectiveness of this approach. Incomplete pancreas distention and inhomogeneous enzyme distribution have been identified as key factors for limiting viable islet yield per porcine pancreas. The aim of this study was to explore the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a tool to investigate the homogeneity of enzyme delivery in porcine pancreata. Traditional and novel methods for enzyme delivery aimed at optimizing enzyme distribution were examined. Pancreata were procured from Landrace pigs via en bloc viscerectomy. The main pancreatic duct was then cannulated with an 18-g winged catheter and MRI performed at 1.5-T. Images were collected before and after ductal infusion of chilled MRI contrast agent (gadolinium) in physiological saline. Regions of the distal aspect of the splenic lobe and portions of the connecting lobe and bridge exhibited reduced delivery of solution when traditional methods of distention were utilized. Use of alternative methods of delivery (such as selective re-cannulation and distention of identified problem regions) resolved these issues, and MRI was successfully utilized as a guide and assessment tool for improved delivery. Current methods of porcine pancreas distention do not consistently deliver enzyme uniformly or adequately to all regions of the pancreas. Novel methods of enzyme delivery should be investigated and implemented for improved enzyme distribution. MRI serves as a valuable tool to visualize and evaluate the efficacy of current and prospective methods of pancreas distention and enzyme delivery.

Pig-islet xenotransplantation: recent progress and current perspectives

Islet xenotransplantation is one prospective treatment to bridge the gap between available human cells and needs of patients with diabetes. Pig represents an ideal candidate for obtaining such available cells. However, potential clinical application of pig islet still faces obstacles including inadequate yield of high-quality functional islets and xenorejection of the transplants. Adequate amounts of available islets can be obtained by selection of a suitable pathogen-free source herd and the development of isolation and purification method. Several studies demonstrated the feasibility of successful preclinical pig-islet xenotransplantation and provided insights and possible mechanisms of xenogeneic immune recognition and rejection. Particularly promising is the achievement of long-term insulin independence in diabetic models by means of distinct islet products and novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed to obtain much more safety and efficacy data to translate these findings into clinic.

Advances in research of pig islet xenotransplantation for diabetes

Pig islet xenotransplantation is effective in treating diabetes. Nowadays, the research of islet xenotransplantation is still in the research phase, and its clinical use is mainly restricted by the shortage of functional islets and graft rejection. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of successful preclinical pig islet xenotransplantation. Moreover, promising results concerning prolonged insulin independence were achieved with the improvement of islet isolation technologies, application of novel immunotherapeutic strategies, and the development of transplantation surgery. This review aims to elucidate the advances in the separation and preparation of transplanted pig islet, immunological rejection and treatments, potential safety problems, and clinical studies.

Pig-to-nonhuman primates pancreatic islet xenotransplantation: an overview

The therapy of type 1 diabetes is an open challenging problem. The restoration of normoglycemia and insulin independence in immunosuppressed type 1 diabetic recipients of islet allotransplantation has shown the potential of a cell-based diabetes therapy. Even if successful, this approach poses a problem of scarce tissue supply. Xenotransplantation can be the answer to this limited donor availability and, among possible candidate tissues for xenotransplantation, porcine islets are the closest to a future clinical application. Xenotransplantation, with pigs as donors, offers the possibility of using healthy, living, and genetically modified islets from pathogen-free animals available in unlimited number of islets. Several studies in the pig-to-nonhuman primate model demonstrated the feasibility of successful preclinical islet xenotransplantation and have provided insights into the critical events and possible mechanisms of immune recognition and rejection of xenogeneic islet grafts. Particularly promising results in the achievement of prolonged insulin independence were obtained with newly developed, genetically modified pigs islets able to produce immunoregulatory products, using different implantation sites, and new immunotherapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed to generate additional safety and efficacy data in nonhuman primate models to safely translate these findings into the clinic.

Improved method of porcine pancreas procurement with arterial flush and ductal injection enhances islet isolation outcome

BACKGROUND

Several pancreas procurement procedures have been used for porcine islet isolation; however, their impact on outcomes has not been extensively studied. We evaluated an advanced procurement technique for porcine islet isolation designed to reduce warm ischemia, to remove blood content, and enhance cooling of the pancreas by implementing a vascular flush and ductal preservation.

METHOD

Pancreata procured from adult Landrace pigs were divided into 3 different surgical protocols: Pancreatectomy utilizing only surface cooling (group 1; n = 24); surface cooling and ductal injection with cold preservation solution before pancreatectomy (group 2; n = 12); or surface cooling, ductal injection, and an approach by selectively flushing through the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery (group 3; n = 14). We assessed the islet isolation results and quality using in vitro and in vivo assays.

RESULTS

Significantly higher overall yield and islet yield per gram pancreas were obtained from group 3 pigs compared with the other groups. Measurements of islet viability after 7 days of culture, as assessed by oxygen consumption rate per DNA, showed that group 3 islets displayed the highest values. Sustained normoglycemia was observed in diabetic nude mice transplanted with 2000 islet equivalents from all 3 groups.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated that an advanced pancreas procurement technique including ductal preservation and selective arterial flush with cold preservation solution provided significant improvements in porcine islet isolation outcomes.

Pig islets for clinical islet xenotransplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Allogeneic islet transplantation faces difficulties because organ shortage is recurrent; several pancreas donors are often needed to treat one diabetic recipient; and the intrahepatic site of islet implantation may not be the most appropriate one. Another source of insulin-producing cells, therefore, would be of major interest, and pigs represent a possible and serious source for obtaining such cells.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pig islet grafts may appear difficult because of the species barrier, but recent studies demonstrate that pig islets may function in diabetic primates for at least 6 months.

SUMMARY

Pig islet xenotransplantation, however, must still overcome the selection of a suitable pig donor to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications. This review summarizes the actual acquired knowledge of pig islet transplantation in primates to select the 'ideal' pig donor.

Enhanced prediction of porcine islet yield and posttransplant outcome using a combination of quantitative histomorphometric parameters and flow cytometry

Prediction of islet yield and posttransplant outcome is essential for clinical porcine islet xenotransplantation. Although several histomorphometric parameters of biopsied porcine pancreases are predictive of islet yield, their role in the prediction of in vivo islet potency is unknown. We investigated which histomorphometrical parameter best predicts islet yield and function, and determined whether it enhanced the predictive value of in vitro islet function tests for the prediction of posttransplant outcome. We analyzed the histomorphometry of pancreases from which 60 adult pig islet isolations were obtained. Islet function was assessed using the beta-cell viability index based on flow cytometry analysis, oxygen consumption rate, ADP/ATP ratio, and/or concurrent transplantation into NOD/SCID mice. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that only islet equivalent (IEQ)/cm(2) and the number of islets >200 microm in diameter significantly predicted an islet yield of >2000 IEQ/g (p < 0.001 for both) and in vivo islet potency (p = 0.024 and p = 0.019, respectively). Although not predictive of islet yield, a high proportion of large islets (>100 microm in diameter) best predicted diabetes reversal (p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the beta-cell viability index (p = 0.003) and the proportion of islets >100 microm in diameter (p = 0.048) independently predicted mean posttransplant blood glucose level (BGL). When BGL was estimated using both these parameters [area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.868; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.730-1.006], it predicted posttransplant outcome more accurately than the beta-cell viability index alone (AUC, 0.742; 95% CI, 0.544-0.939). In conclusion, we identified the best histomorphometric predictors of islet yield and posttransplant outcome. This further enhanced the predictive value of the flow cytometry analysis. These parameters should be useful for predicting islet yield and in vivo potency before clinical adult porcine islet xenotransplantation.

Cellular xenotransplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Expectations are high on cellular therapy. Being fundamental to elucidate organogenesis, it is unlikely that embryonic stem cells will be used for clinical purposes. Postembryonic stage, developing cells are, therefore, the front-runner for regenerative medicine. In addition to autologous cells, both allogeneic and xenogeneic cells are hypothetical candidates to treat specific diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on immunological and functional aspects of xeno(allo)-cellular transplantation for cardiomyopathy, diabetes, liver failure, neural diseases, and bone regeneration.

RECENT FINDINGS

Xenocellular transplantation is promising for tissue repair in immunologically privileged sites such as the central nervous system or nonvascularized tissues in which no or moderate immunosuppression is required. In vascularized organs, major immune responses are present when cells are transplanted without additional conditioning. Positive results from encapsulation methods that protect cells from the immune system should further stimulate preclinical research. Also, conditioning immunosuppression could be used to circumvent the initial immune response. Transgenic pigs cells are probably the best xenogeneic substitute for human application, although basic research on innate and noninnate immunity toward pig cells is still required.

SUMMARY

In several fields of medicine, cellular xenotransplantation is slowly emerging as a potential therapeutic tool.

Pig pancreas anatomy: implications for pancreas procurement, preservation, and islet isolation

BACKGROUND

Islet transplantation is emerging as a treatment option for selected patients with type 1 diabetes. The limited human islet supply from cadavers and poor islet yield and quality remain substantial impediments to progress in the field. Use of porcine islets holds great promise for large-scale application of islet transplantation. Consistent isolation of porcine islets is dependent on advances in pancreas procurement, pancreas preservation, and islet isolation, requiring detailed knowledge of the porcine pancreatic anatomy. The primary aim of this study was to describe the vascular and ductal anatomy of the porcine pancreas to guide and improve organ preservation and enzyme perfusion.

METHODS

Pancreata were removed by en bloc viscerectomy from 65 female Landrace pigs.

RESULTS

Fifteen percentage of organs exhibited inconsistent vascular branching from the celiac trunk. All organs showed uniform patterns of branching at the superior mesenteric artery. The superior and inferior mesenteric veins merged to become the portal vein in all but one case in which the inferior mesenteric vein drained into the splenic vein. Ninety-seven percent of pancreata had three lobes: duodenal lobe (DL), connecting lobe (CL), and splenic lobe (SL); 39% demonstrated ductal communication between the CL and the other two lobes; 50% had ductal communication only between the CL and duodenal lobe; and 11% presented other types of ductal delineation.

CONCLUSIONS

Accounting for the variations in vascular and ductal anatomy, as detailed in this study, will facilitate development of protocols for preservation, optimal enzyme administration, and pancreas distention and digestion, and will ultimately lead to substantial improvements in isolation outcomes.

Pig islet xenotransplantation into non-human primate model

Allogeneic islet transplantation faces difficulties because (1) organ shortage is recurrent; (2) several pancreas donors are often needed to treat one diabetic recipient; and (3) the intrahepatic site of islet implantation may not be the most appropriate site. Another source of insulin-producing cells, therefore, would be of major interest, and pigs represent a possible and serious source for obtaining such cells. Pig islet grafts may seem difficult because of the species barrier, but recent reports demonstrate that pig islets may function in primates for at least 6 months. Pig islet xenotransplantation, however, must still overcome several hurdles before becoming clinically applicable. The actual consensus is to produce more preclinical data in the pig-to-primate model as a necessary requirement to envisage any pig-to-human transplantation of islets; therefore, a summary of the actual acquired knowledge of pig islet transplantation in primates seemed useful and is summarized in this overview.