In vivo model for cross-species porcine endogenous retrovirus transmission using tissue engineered pulmonary arteries

Objective: Acellularised porcine scaffolds have been successfully used for cardiovascular tissue engineering. However, there is concern about the possibility of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) transmission. In this study we developed an in vivo model for cross-species PERV transmission. Methods: In vitro autologous repopulated porcine pulmonary arteries (n = 6) were implanted in sheep in orthotopic position. Blood samples were collected regularly up to 6 months after implantation and tested for PERV by means of polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Explanted tissue engineered pulmonary arteries were tested for PERV sequences. Results: PERV DNA was detectable in acellularised porcine scaffolds. No PERV sequences were detectable 6 months after implantation of in vitro repopulated acellularised porcine pulmonary arteries and in all tested peripheral blood samples. Conclusions: Acellularised porcine matrix scaffolds can be used for cardiovascular tissue engineering of autologous grafts without risk of PERV transmission. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.