Breakthrough in Organ Transplants: Scientists Create Kidney Compatible with All Blood Types

After a decade of research, scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in kidney transplants by creating a “universal” kidney that could, in theory, be accepted by any patient regardless of blood type.

A collaborative team from Canada and China successfully tested the modified kidney in the body of a brain-dead patient, whose family consented to the experiment. The organ functioned for several days, offering valuable insight into future transplant possibilities.

“This is the first time we’ve seen this happen in a human model,” said biochemist Stephen Withers from the University of British Columbia. “It gives us valuable knowledge to help improve future transplant results.”

Blood type compatibility has long been a barrier in kidney transplants. Patients with type O blood, for example, can only receive kidneys from type O donors, while their organs can be used for anyone. This creates a critical shortage, as more than half of those on transplant waiting lists are type O. Cross-blood-type transplants are possible but risky, costly, and usually require living donors.

To overcome this challenge, researchers converted a type A kidney into a type O kidney using specialized enzymes that remove sugar molecules responsible for blood type identification. “It’s like removing the red paint from a car and revealing the base coat underneath,” Withers explained. “Once that happens, the immune system no longer sees the organ as foreign.”

The experiment revealed that by the third day, some type A markers began to reappear, triggering a mild immune response. While not perfect, the reaction was significantly less severe than usual, indicating the body may begin to accept the organ. Further research is needed before human trials can proceed, but the results are promising.

Every day, roughly 11 people in the United States die waiting for a kidney transplant, with type O kidneys in particular short supply. Scientists around the world are exploring solutions, from growing organs in pigs to developing antibodies that prevent rejection.

“This is what it looks like when years of basic science finally connect to patient care,” Withers said. “Seeing our discoveries move closer to saving lives keeps us going.”

The study has been published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.