Summary
Recipient immune cells recognise donor MHC as foreign, requiring matching and immunosuppression.
In depth
Hyperacute (preformed antibodies), acute (T cells, weeks) and chronic (months to years). Immunosuppressants include ciclosporin and tacrolimus (calcineurin inhibitors). Graft-versus-host disease occurs in bone marrow transplants.
Matching HLA reduces rejection. Immunosuppression increases infection and cancer risk. Tolerance induction is a goal.
Key idea: transplant rejection is the immune system doing its normal job against foreign MHC.
Frequently asked questions
What is Transplant Rejection?
Recipient immune cells recognise donor MHC as foreign, requiring matching and immunosuppression.
Which area of biology covers Transplant Rejection, and how advanced is it?
Transplant Rejection is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Immunosenescence, Blood Groups and Transfusion, Autoimmune Disease.
Can you give an example of Transplant Rejection?
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What should I learn before Transplant Rejection?
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to Transplant Rejection. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Transplant Rejection?
The closest topics to Transplant Rejection are Immunosenescence, Blood Groups and Transfusion, Autoimmune Disease, Immune System. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Transplant Rejection?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Transplant Rejection. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
How is Transplant Rejection different from Immunosenescence?
Transplant Rejection: Recipient immune cells recognise donor MHC as foreign, requiring matching and immunosuppression. Immunosenescence: Age-related decline in immune function, raising susceptibility to infection and cancer. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Transplant Rejection step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Immunosenescence and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.