Immunology & Immunogenetics

Immunology Transplantation

Transplantation is the act of transferring cells, tissues, or organs from one site to another. Development of the field of organ and tissue transplantation has accelerated remarkably since the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) was discovered in 1967. Matching of donor and recipient for MHC antigens has been shown to have a significant positive effect on graft acceptance. These components include: antibodies, antigen presenting cells, helper and cytotoxic T cell subsets, immune cell surface molecules, signalling mechanisms and cytokines that they release. The malfunction of an organ system can be corrected with transplantation of an organ  from a donor. However, the immune system remains the most formidable barrier to transplantation as a routine medical treatment. The immune system has developed elaborate and effective mechanisms to combat foreign agents. These mechanisms are also involved in the rejection of transplanted organs, which are recognized as foreign by the recipient's immune system. Graft or Transplant: Transfer of living cells, tissues and organs from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another. Establishing immune tolerance in transplant recipients is essential for promoting the long-term survival of an allograft and for preventing the development of harmful graft-versus-host responses.