The major obstacle to the use of xenotransplants is overcome by ________________.
A) series of injections that depress the immune systems of recipients
B) changing genetic markers in humans to make them more receptive
C) changing genetic markers in donor animals to make them more compatible with human recipients
D) introducing a complement of immune system genes to both the donor animal and recipient human
E) doing more than one of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major obstacle to using xenotransplants is rejection by the recipient's immune system, which sees the foreign tissue as an invader and attacks it. Changing the genetic markers in donor animals can make them more compatible with human recipients and reduce the chances of rejection. The other options listed are also being explored, but changing donor animal genetics is currently the most promising approach for overcoming xenotransplantation obstacles.

The Major Obstacle to the Use of Xenotransplants Is Overcome