Are N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Hanganutziu–Deicher) antigens important in pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation?

Abstract

Carbohydrate structures on PRBC are different from those on PAEC. Healthy human sera contain anti-nonGal IgG antibodies to NeuGc expressed on PRBC, but not on PAEC. We speculate that anti-nonGal IgG antibodies to PRBC can recognize both NeuGc and protein, and this may be the reason why such antibodies have not been detected by ELISA. A definite conclusion about the immunogenicity of NeuGc has not been obtained. More sera from patients (not from non-human primates) sensitized with porcine cells or organs need to be studied.