Xenotransplantation and Kidney Regenerative Technology

Abstract The disparity between available donor organs and an increasing recipient waitlist has prompted significant research into alternative avenues to meet this growing demand. Potential options include renal regenerative medicine through the use of various cell-based therapies as well as de-novo organ generation via bioengineered scaffolds. Conversely, xenotransplantation, utilizing pigs as source for potential donor organs, remains a more promising option once specific xenogeneic related immunologic, physiologic, and infectious barriers can be resolved. Reviews of the most recent advances that are available for both renal regeneration as well as renal xenotransplantation are provided in this chapter.