L12E3 - Immunology Lecture: Organ Transplantation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to organ transplantation in immunology, including processes, definitions, and implications associated with T cells, MHC, graft types, and immune responses.

T Cell Development

The process through which T cells mature and are activated in the immune response.

MHC Restriction

T cell specificity is determined by the combination of peptide and the MHC molecule presenting it.

Polymorphic

Existing in many forms; refers to genes with many variants.

Allograft

A transplant of organ or tissue from one individual to another of the same species who is not genetically identical.

Host vs Graft Disease

The immune response in which the recipient's immune system attacks transplanted tissue.

Hyperacute Rejection

An immediate and severe rejection of a transplant due to pre-existing antibodies against the donor's antigens.

Acute Rejection

A rejection that occurs weeks to months after transplantation, typically mediated by T cells.

Chronic Rejection

A long-term rejection process that occurs months to years after transplantation, characterized by gradual damage to the graft.

Xenograft

A transplant of tissue from one species to another.

T-cell receptor (TCR)

A molecule found on T cells that allows them to recognize antigens presented by MHC molecules.

CD4 T cells

A type of T cell that helps regulate immune responses by interacting with MHC class II molecules.

CD8 T cells

A type of T cell that directly kills infected or cancerous cells by recognizing antigens presented by MHC class I molecules.

Alloreactivity

The immune response directed against transplanted organs or tissues.

Immunosuppressant

A drug used to suppress the immune system to prevent organ rejection.

HLA Matching

The process of matching donor and recipient HLA types to increase the success of transplantation.

Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD)

A condition that occurs when donor T cells attack the recipient's tissues following a transplant.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to suppress the immune response in transplant recipients.

Belatacept

A drug that inhibits T-cell activation by blocking CD28 co-stimulation.

Tissue Rejection Mechanism

Involves mismatched peptides and/or MHC, leading to the activation of the recipient's immune response against the graft.