Scientists discover new cell structure responsible for unexplained rejections after organ transplant

Drs. Marie-Josée Hébert and Mélanie Dieudé have discovered a new cell structure responsible for previously unexplained rejections following an organ transplant. They have also identified a drug capable of preventing this type of rejection. Recipients of the Award of Excellence in Research - Science Contribution of 2016 at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUMM), they explain that this discovery could one day revolutionize transplant practice.

With the collaboration of the Canadian National Transplant Research Program, they continue their research to learn the language of organs.

Drs. Hébert and Dieudé have discovered a new cell structure responsible for previously unexplained rejections following an organ transplant. Before transplanting an organ, physicians check compatibility between the donor and recipient. Despite these precautions, approximately one in ten transplants ends up being rejected by the recipient.

"We have found the mechanism that causes a person to react against components in his own blood vessels even before receiving an organ transplant. We have also identified a drug capable of preventing this type of rejection," says Dr. Marie-Josée Hébert, transplant specialist and CRCHUM researcher. One day, this discovery could revolutionize transplant practice by changing the assessment of rejection risks in heart, lung, kidney or liver transplant recipients.