Organ Rejection and Immunosuppression

Organ rejection occurs when the immune system recognizes a transplanted organ as foreign and attacks it. This is because the body’s immune response is designed to protect against invaders, like infections. To prevent rejection, patients take immunosuppressive medications, which reduce the immune system's activity. While these drugs help the body accept the new organ, they also increase the risk of infections and other complications. Balancing the need to accept the transplant while managing the immune response is crucial for the success of organ transplants.