What are transplant immunology and immunogenetics?

Transplant immunology is the study of the body’s immune response after a transplant of tissue or organs from one individual to another, which can be a barrier for a successful transplant. A transplant can potentially be rejected by the recipient, due to the immune system recognizing the transplanted organ or tissue as foreign. Risk of rejection can be reduced by compatibility screening techniques prior to transplantation, and administration of immunosuppressive drugs following the transplant.

Immunogenetics is the study of genetics as it pertains to the body’s immune response. Genetic variations can cause immunological disorders and autoimmune diseases such as type I diabetes, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.