Researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL reported functional integration of an autologous engineered esophagus in a growing large‑animal model. Teams decellularized donor porcine scaffolds, microinjected autologous pericyte‑like myogenic precursors and fibroblasts, matured grafts in bioreactors and implanted 2.5‑cm segments in 10‑kg minipigs. At six months, 63% survived with progressive neuromuscular regeneration, restored peristalsis and oral feeding. The Nature Biotechnology paper positions the approach as a potential solution for long‑gap esophageal atresia in infants, avoiding lifelong immunosuppression by using recipient cells. Authors highlighted coordinated surgical support (stents, pleural wrap) and staged maturation as key enablers of functional recovery. If translated to humans, the technology could replace complex, high‑morbidity surgical reconstructions in pediatric patients and reduce long‑term complications from current grafting approaches.