Doctors treating patients who undergo organ transplants can now track the body’s immune response, monitor changes, and receive early warning if an organ is being rejected, thanks in large part to the pioneering research by Chien Ho. The CMU professor and his team have developed an innovative, non-invasive method that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to observe tagged immune cells as they infiltrate to a transplanted organ. The breakthrough has been the key to detect organ transplant rejection earlier and safer. The cell tracking methodology that Ho’s laboratory developed can also play an important role to monitor cell therapy, such as stem cells. Ho has been awarded the 2013 Gold Medal of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine for his pioneering research contributions.
—Janet Jay (DC’07)
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Chien Ho Awarded Gold Medal from International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
