Xenotransplantation and the risk of transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses: An Overview

There is a significant shortage of available organs for transplant in the United States and worldwide. Although it has been postulated that organs from animals, such as pigs, may someday be used for such transplants instead, the existence of the porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) has been implicated as a potential risk factor for this procedure. This article provides an overview of research which has examined the function of PERVs and the potential problems they may present both in the field of transplantation and in the study of infectious diseases. The debate concerning this issue and its potential implications for public health are also discussed.