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Scientists have successfully transplanted human stem cells into pigs that were genetically modified not to reject them.

The cells were able to thrive, raising hopes of potential stem cells treatments for debilitating diseases.

The breakthrough could also aid in developing treatments for patients suffering from severe immune deficiency.

Scientists have successfully transplanted human stem cells into pigs that were genetically modified not to reject them in am major breakthrough for stem cells treatments

One of the biggest challenges for medical researchers studying the effectiveness of stem cell therapies is that transplants or grafts of cells are often rejected by the hosts.

This rejection can render experiments useless, making research into potentially life-saving treatments a long and difficult process.

'The rejection of transplants and grafts by host bodies is a huge hurdle for medical researchers,' said Michael Roberts at the University of Missouri.

'By establishing that these pigs will support transplants without the fear of rejection, we can  move stem cell therapy research forward at a quicker pace.

'Hopefully this means that we are one step closer to therapies and treatments for a number of debilitating human diseases.'

The team of researchers implanted human pluripotent stem cells in a special line of pigs developed by Randall Prather, an MU Curators Professor of reproductive physiology.

Prather created the pigs with immune systems that allow the pigs to accept all transplants or grafts without rejection.

Researchers created the pigs with immune systems that allow the pigs to accept all transplants or grafts without rejection.

Once the scientists implanted the cells, the pigs did not reject the stem cells and the cells thrived.

Prather says achieving this success with pigs is notable because pigs are much closer to humans than many other test animals.

'Many medical researchers prefer conducting studies with pigs because they are more anatomically similar to humans than other animals, such as mice and rats,' Prather said.

'Physically, pigs are much closer to the size and scale of humans than other animals, and they respond to health threats similarly.

'This means that research in pigs is more likely to have results similar to those in humans for many different tests and treatments.'