Final answer:
A good match between donor and recipient is critical for successful organ transplantation. Genetic similarity, particularly in the HLA genes, reduces the risk of rejection. Immunosuppressive drugs are used to prevent the recipient's immune system from rejecting the transplanted organ, but they have associated risks and vulnerabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A good match between donor and recipient is critical for successful organ transplantation. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins, encoded by genes that vary among individuals, play a crucial role in determining compatibility. Transplants from genetically similar blood relatives are preferred because they are more likely to share HLA genes. A higher degree of genetic similarity reduces the risk of rejection and the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
Immunosuppression is necessary in transplantation to prevent the recipient's immune system from attacking and rejecting the transplanted organ. These drugs suppress the immune response, allowing the transplanted organ to function without being recognized as foreign by the recipient's immune system. While immunosuppression helps to support the transplanted organ, it also increases the recipient's vulnerability to infections and other complications.