Transplant Immunology and Rejection

Transplant immunology is the scientific field that deals with the study of how the immune system reacts to transplanted organs and tissues. This research has helped to improve the success rate of organ and tissue transplantation by uncovering the mechanisms that lead to organ rejection. Rejection involves the recognition of the transplanted organ or tissue as a foreign body and thus an attack by the host's immune system. Understanding these processes has led to the development of immunosuppressants to prevent organ rejection, allowing more successful organ and tissue transplantation and increased success rates for those receiving transplants. Transplant immunology has a significant impact on the quality of life of transplant patients and has been instrumental in advances in tissue engineering, stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine.