First-of-Its-Kind Kidney Transplant Could Lead to More Cross-Blood Type Donations

image via New Scientist

October 7, 2025, 12:00 PM

• •Scientists converted a donor kidney's blood type to facilitate broader organ matching.
• •An enzyme was used to remove type-A antigens, converting the kidney to type-O.
• •The transplanted kidney initially functioned for six days before showing rejection signs.
• •The breakthrough could improve organ access and reduce transplant wait times.
• •Further trials are necessary before routine use, including adjustments to treatment.

Scientists have successfully performed the first transplant using a kidney with a converted blood type, potentially increasing access to donor organs. Researchers used an enzyme to transform a type-A kidney into a type-O organ, which is compatible with all blood types. The converted kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead patient, showing initial functionality before signs of rejection. This innovative approach could reduce transplant wait times and eliminate blood type compatibility as a barrier, but more trials are needed.

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