Ggta1, encoding α1,3-galactosyltransferase, is crucial for the biosynthesis of galactosyl-alpha 1,3-galactose. This carbohydrate epitope, known as the α-Gal antigen, is the primary xenoantigen recognized by the human immune system, playing a major role in the immunogenicity of porcine tissue in xenotransplantation [2,3,4,5,6,7,8].

In xenotransplantation research, GGTA1-modified animals are promising donors. For example, GGTA1-KO pigs have been developed. In these pigs, the absence of the α-Gal antigen reduces human antibody binding, and in some cases, improves the survival of xenografts [2,3,4,6,7,8]. Also, GGTA1-KO rabbits were generated via CRISPR/Cas9, with a high mutation efficiency. The α-Gal antigen expression in their major organs was significantly decreased, and in F1 rabbits, specific anti-Gal antibodies increased with age [1].

In conclusion, Ggta1 is essential in the context of xenotransplantation due to its role in producing the α-Gal antigen. The generation of GGTA1-KO animal models, such as pigs and rabbits, has significantly contributed to understanding the immunogenicity in xenotransplantation, aiming to overcome the immunological rejection hurdles in pig-to-human organ transplantation [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8].