Allograft Rejection

Allograft rejection occurs when a person’s immune system identifies a transplanted organ or tissue as foreign and attacks it. This immune response can damage or destroy the transplant, affecting its function. Rejection happens because the immune system recognizes differences in tissue types between the donor and recipient, mainly through proteins called antigens. To prevent this, patients often take medications that suppress their immune response. Rejection can occur soon after transplantation or even months or years later. Monitoring and medication adjustments are essential to help the transplanted organ survive and function properly.