In a major advance for organ transplantation, scientists have converted a blood type A kidney into a universal type O organ and successfully transplanted it into a brain-dead recipient.

The procedure could dramatically shorten transplant waiting times and expand the donor pool for thousands of patients worldwide.

Canadian researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) used specialised enzymes, described as “molecular scissors”, to strip the A antigens from the kidney’s blood vessels, effectively turning it into type O.

As type O blood lacks these antigens, it can be received by anyone without triggering an immune response.

The converted kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead volunteer with high levels of anti-A antibodies. Remarkably, the organ functioned normally for two days with no signs of hyperacute rejection and only showing mild immune activity on the third day.

By combining this method with standard immunosuppressive drugs, the UBC team hopes to extend the organ’s lifespan in future trials involving living patients.

The innovation addresses a critical shortage in donor kidneys: over 90 000 US citizens are currently waiting for a life-saving operation, with type O patients facing the longest delays. By creating “universal” organs, doctors could perform more transplants and save countless lives.

“This is what it looks like when years of basic science finally connect to patient care,” said study co-lead professor Stephen Withers. “Seeing our discoveries edge closer to real-world impact is what keeps us pushing forward.”

Though still experimental, the enzyme-based approach could transform transplant medicine across kidneys, lungs and other organs.