Sensitization of human cells to lysis by human complement as an approach for cancer gene therapy.

Transplants in discordant combinations such as pig-to-man undergo hyperacute rejection (HAR), due to naturally occurring antibodies in human serum. A carbohydrate epitope expressed on pig cells (the Gal(α1,3)Gal epitope) is recognized by these antibodies, which are generated in response to bacteria in the gut [1]. Immune complex formation with this xenoantigen leads to complement activation, cell damage and graft rejection [2].