Skip to content

Transplant rejection

Top of the page

Transplant rejection

A transplant rejection is the body's destruction of a newly introduced organ or tissue. A person's immune system does not recognize the cells of the transplanted material, which triggers it into action to kill the transplanted tissues.

The immune system's response eventually makes the organ or tissue unable to function.

Medicines are given to suppress the immune system. But taking them can make it easy for a person to get sick. Having a suppressed immune system makes it hard for a person to fight off all types of infections. But transplants are usually successful.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

NOTICE: This health information was not created by Columbia University Irving Medical Center and may not necessarily reflect specific CUIMC practices. For medical advice to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Medical advice disclaimer.