Surprising culprit leads to chronic rejection of transplanted lungs and hearts
Medical Xpress
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Recent research has uncovered a surprising new factor behind chronic rejection of transplanted lungs and hearts, challenging previous assumptions that long-term organ failure was solely due to the recipient’s immune system attacking the transplant over time. While acute rejection is effectively managed with immunosuppressive drugs, chronic rejection remains a significant problem for many patients years after their procedure. This study reveals that a specific type of immune cell, called dendritic cells, may play a critical role in this process by triggering an abnormal inflammatory response and scarring (fibrosis) in the transplanted organ.
For decades, the medical community believed that chronic rejection was primarily caused by the recipient’s immune system producing antibodies against the donor organ. However, new evidence suggests that dendritic cells, which are typically involved in alerting the immune system to threats, become overactive and contribute to persistent inflammation and tissue damage in transplanted organs. This discovery could lead to better treatments for chronic rejection by targeting these specific cells rather than broadly suppressing the entire immune system.
Understanding this mechanism is crucial because chronic rejection can occur even when patients adhere strictly to their medication regimens. The findings highlight the complexity of organ transplantation and the need for more targeted therapies to address long-term complications. Researchers are now exploring how to modulate dendritic cell activity to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for heart and lung transplant recipients.
This breakthrough is particularly significant because it offers new hope for patients who experience graft dysfunction years after their transplant. By focusing on the role of dendritic cells, medical professionals may develop more effective strategies to prevent or manage chronic rejection, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for organ transplant recipients worldwide.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/25/2026