Across solid organ transplants, lung transplants have among the highest rates of ACR. Patients generally undergo multiple surgical biopsies to continuously monitor for rejection. This procedure can be associated with significant complications including bleeding or abnormal air leakage in the chest cavity.

Now, researchers have discovered a novel biomarker that could help minimize these risks and ease the burden for patients. Cells release tiny packages of biological molecules called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that transfer information and enable communication with one another. The team found that sEVs from immune cells called T cells provide a reliable window into early ACR processes.