Transplantation

Abstract

Transplantation had long been considered before becoming a common practice in the twentieth century. Today, with ever‐increasing knowledge of graft rejection by the immune system, a number of different cells, tissues or organs can be successfully transplanted with effective immunosuppressive therapy to prevent the recipient immune system from targeting and destroying the transplant. Nevertheless, the adverse side effects of immunosuppressive therapy and the limited availability of transplantable organs necessitie the development of other therapies as bridging therapies for transplantation, to support organ function or offer a viable alternative to transplantation. Key Concepts Organ transplantation is a successful therapy for end‐stage organ failure. Genetic differences between the donor and recipient result in graft rejection by the recipient's immune system. Most transplantation requires immunosuppressive therapy. Immunosuppressive therapy is limited by serious side effects. The shortage of organs for transplantation requires the development of alternative therapies to treat organ failure.