New study creates method for growing stem cells in pigs

US researchers have developed a new means of transplanting and growing human stem cells in pigs for the first time.

A team from the University of Missouri have shown that a new line of genetically-modified swine will host transplanted cells without the risk of rejection. This was achieved by creating animals with immune systems that allow them to accept all transplants or grafts without rejection.

Typically, one of the biggest challenges for studies into the effectiveness of stem cell therapies is that transplants or grafts of cells are often rejected by hosts, rendering the experiments useless.

The fact this has been achieved using pigs is significant because swine are closer biologically to humans than many other test animals, meaning they respond to health threats similarly.

Professor Michael Roberts, a researcher in the Bond Life Sciences Center, said: "Now that we know that human stem cells can thrive in these pigs, a door has been opened for new and exciting research by scientists around the world."

This comes after it was revealed last month that scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital have been able to develop a new type of pig that could be used as a donor for skin grafts in future.