| abstract |
Methods for providing a pathogen-free pig or pig fetus as a donor of tissue, cells and/or organs to a recipient human. Animals are free of zoonotic pathogens. When fetal tissues are used for transplantation, donor animals are free from zoonotic pathogens, pathogens able to cross the placental barrier, and tissue-specific pathogens, e.g., neurotropic pathogens. Tissues, cells and organs from pigs free of the above-listed pathogens are suitable for transplantation into humans, include fetal neuronal cells for treatment of Parkinson's disease and islet cells for treatment of islet insufficiency-related diseases. |