Porcine endogenous retrovirus encodes xenoantigens involved in porcine cellular xenograft rejection by mice.

Background: Identification of the antigens that stimulate transplant rejection can help develop graft-specific antirejection strategies. The xenoantigens recognized during rejection of porcine cellular xenografts have not been clearly defined, but it has been assumed that major histocompatibility complex (MHC) xenoantigens are involved.

Methods: The role of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) as a source of xenoantigens was examined.