Identification of the VH genes encoding xenoantibodies in non‐immunosuppressed rhesus monkeys

Summary The major immunological barrier that prevents the use of wild‐type pig xenografts as an alternative source of organs for human xenotransplantation is antibody‐mediated rejection. In this study, we identify the immunoglobulin variable region heavy (IgVH) chain genes encoding xenoantibodies to porcine heart and fetal porcine islet xenografts in non‐immunosuppressed rhesus monkeys. We sought to compare the IgVH genes encoding xenoantibodies to porcine islets and solid organ xenografts. The immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG xenoantibody response was analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and cDNA libraries from peripheral blood lymphocytes were prepared and sequenced. The relative frequency of IgVH gene usage was established by colony filter hybridization. Induced xenoantibodies were encoded by the IGHV3‐11 germline progenitor, the same germline gene that encodes xenoantibodies in humans mounting active xenoantibody responses. The immune response to pig xenografts presented as solid organs or isolated cells is mediated by identical IgVH genes in rhesus monkeys. These animals represent a clinically relevant model to identify the immunological basis of pig‐to‐human xenograft rejection.