transplantation immunology

Transplantation immunology studies how the immune system reacts to transplanted organs or tissues. When an organ from a donor is placed into a recipient, the recipient's immune system may recognize the new tissue as foreign and attempt to attack it. This reaction can lead to rejection of the transplant. To prevent this, doctors use immunosuppressive drugs to help the recipient's body accept the new organ, balancing the need to protect against infections while allowing the transplant to function properly. Understanding these processes is crucial for successful organ transplantation and enhancing patient outcomes.