rejection (organ rejection)

Organ rejection occurs when a transplant recipient's immune system identifies the new organ as foreign and attacks it. This response happens because the body recognizes cells from the donor as different from its own. Rejection can be acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual), and it may lead to the damage or failure of the transplanted organ. To prevent this, patients typically take immunosuppressive medications that help their bodies accept the new organ while increasing their risk for infections. Monitoring and managing rejection is crucial for the success of organ transplants.