“In a new paper, scientists have reported the first successful human transplant of a kidney converted from blood type A to the universal type O using special enzymes developed at the University of British Columbia. These enzymes are designed to help prevent a mismatch and rejection of the organ…

According to the scientists, an enzyme-converted kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead recipient with consent from the family. They then observed the body’s immune response to the new organ. They report that for two days post-transplant, the kidney functioned without signs of hyperacute rejection. By the third day, they observed that some blood-type markers reappeared and triggered a mild reaction. However the damage was less severe than would typically be seen in cases when an organ was mismatched. They also observed signs that the body was beginning to tolerate the new organ.”

From GEN.