Hope for infant heart transplants

Research by Dr. Lori West of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto has now confirmed that infants can learn to tolerate organ transplants that have a different blood type by reprogramming their immune system. Infants' immune systems aren't fully developed which enables them to be able to take on different blood types in development.
This is very big news for those who are dying on the transplant waiting lists, as infants on waiting lists may now be open to more transplant opportunities. They will be able to receive transplants from a wide variety of donors and save many incompatible organs from going to waste.
The next step in West's research will be to see if there is any possible way to reprogram the immune systems of patients who are older so they will be less likely to reject an organ. It is important to keep in mind that all organ recipients, infant and adult, must still take drugs to suppress their immune systems in case of any other reactions.
This advancement is very exciting and great news.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6326180/