MD Mohosin Rana

Organ transplantation is a life-saving therapy for end-stage organ failure. Ischemia–reperfusion injury that leads to delayed graft function (DGF) and immune-mediated rejection are unmet challenges. The key to success in organ transplantation is to suppress the immune system and prevent rejection. Current treatment using immunosuppressive drugs has reduced the incidents of rejection; however, such global immunosuppression leads to severe side effects. Thus, new approaches are needed for improved graft survival. Graft rejection is a comprehensive immune reaction initiated due to the damage of the blood vessel lining (glycocalyx) during organ procurement and preservation. Such damage mediates the migration of various immune cells post-transplantation and worsens over time triggering rejection. In this project, we will rebuild native immune-deactivating activity using immunosuppressive polymer conjugates via a novel organ engineering approach to prevent such damage and graft rejection. I will study the mechanism of this approach and apply it in the transplantation mouse models as proof of concept. Our long-term organ protection strategy will help to prevent graft rejection and maximize the organ life span and quality of patients' life.