Our lab studies innovative ways to regulate the immune system to better manage and treat transplanted patients.

From gene-edited pig kidney transplants to novel immune therapies, our research aims to expand access to transplantation and improve long-term outcomes.

World’s First Living Recipient of a Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Transplant

In March 2024, under the leadership of Leonardo V. Riella, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital performed the world’s first successful kidney transplant from a gene-edited pig into a living human, a historic milestone in the effort to address the global organ shortage. Since then, Dr. Riella’s team has completed three additional porcine kidney transplants, making this the largest series of living human xenotransplants to date. These groundbreaking procedures are part of the first FDA-approved clinical study in kidney xenotransplantation, designed to evaluate safety, immune compatibility, and long-term function. Dr. Riella’s research program continues to drive the science forward—applying multi-omics profiling, CRISPR-based gene editing insights, and precision immunosuppression strategies to improve xenograft survival and inform next-generation protocols.

Recent Publications

News

Videos

Saddened by the passing of Dr. Paul Russell, a true pioneer in transplantation and a remarkable mentor and teacher. His legacy has shaped generations at MGH @MassGeneralNews and far beyond, and will continue to inspire the transplant community for years to come. @mgh_transplant

Not all DQ mismatches between donor and #kidney #transplant recipients are the same.
Great multicenter study showing that alloimmune risk depends on the DQA1/DQB1 combination, the recipient’s own HLA-DQ background, and importantly, the direction of the mismatch.
A step toward

What an amazing weekend riding the @PanMass Challenge! 🚴‍♂️❤️
170+ miles filled with joy, friendship, camaraderie, beautiful scenery, and an incredible sense of purpose. It is hard to describe the energy and generosity surrounding this ride.
Deeply grateful to everyone who

Great discussion in Russel Grand Rounds @MGH_transplant @MGB_Kidneys

Reversed diastolic flow after kidney transplantation ≠ renal vein thrombosis.
Only ~10% of cases are due to renal vein thrombosis; acute rejection and ATN are more common causes.
But timing matters: when

An exciting milestone for our field. This @harvardmed feature explores how advances in xenotransplantation are bringing us closer to expanding access to lifesaving organ transplantation. Proud to be part of this journey.
@MGBResearchNews @MGBKidneys @mgh_transplant

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