Concept:
Organ transplantation success depends on the body's ability to recognize the new tissue as "self" or "non-self."
• This recognition is handled by a set of surface proteins found on almost all nucleated cells.
• These proteins act as identification tags for the immune system.
Step 1: Defining the Identification Proteins.
The proteins responsible are called the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules.
In humans, these are also known as Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA).
Step 2: Mechanism of Rejection.
If the MHC molecules of the donor organ do not match the MHC molecules of the recipient, the immune system detects an "invader."
T-cells specifically recognize these foreign MHC molecules and initiate a destructive immune response.
Therefore, MHC molecules are the primary molecules that dictate transplant compatibility.
Final Answer:
The major molecules responsible for the rejection of transplants are MHC molecules.