Macrophages in xenotransplantation.

Xenotransplantation refers to organ transplantation across species. Immune rejection of xenografts is stronger and faster than that of allografts because of significant molecular differences between species. Recent studies have revealed the involvement of macrophages in xenograft and allograft rejections. Macrophages have been shown to play a critical role in inflammation, coagulation, and phagocytosis in xenograft rejection. This review presents a recent understanding of the role of macrophages in xenograft rejection and possible strategies to control macrophage-mediated xenograft rejection.