Researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL reported in Nature Biotechnology that an autologous, engineered esophageal segment successfully replaced a circumferential portion of esophagus in growing minipigs and restored swallowing without immunosuppression. The team decellularized donor porcine scaffolds, repopulated them with the recipient pig’s pericyte‑like myogenic precursors and fibroblasts, and demonstrated functional integration and growth. The work models treatment for long‑gap esophageal atresia in infants and addresses limitations of current surgical reconstructions. Authors emphasize translational steps remain, including GMP manufacturing, long‑term safety and regulatory pathways for human pediatric trials.