Fritz Bach

Fritz Bach

Born	April 5, 1934
Birth place	Vienna, Austria
Died	August 14, 2011
Place of death	Manchester, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality	Austrian-American
Known for	Mixed lymphocyte culture test, xenotransplantation

Fritz H. Bach (April 5, 1934 – August 14, 2011) was a pioneering immunologist and transplantation biologist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of transplantation immunology. His research significantly advanced the understanding of immune compatibility and rejection in organ transplantation.

Early Life and Education

Fritz Bach was born in Vienna, Austria, and emigrated to the United States with his family in 1939 to escape the Nazi regime. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where he developed an interest in biology and medicine. Bach continued his education at Harvard Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1959.

Career and Research

Bach's early career was marked by his development of the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) test, a method to assess the compatibility of donor and recipient tissues in organ transplantation. This test became a crucial tool in the field, allowing for better matching of organ donors and recipients and reducing the risk of graft rejection.

Mixed Lymphocyte Culture Test

The MLC test involves mixing lymphocytes from two different individuals and observing their reaction. If the lymphocytes recognize each other as foreign, they will proliferate, indicating a potential for immune rejection. This test was one of the first practical applications of histocompatibility testing and laid the groundwork for the development of HLA typing.

Xenotransplantation

In addition to his work on the MLC test, Bach was a pioneer in the field of xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs or tissues between different species. He explored the potential of using animal organs, particularly from pigs, as a solution to the shortage of human organs available for transplantation. His research addressed the immunological barriers to xenotransplantation and sought ways to overcome them.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Fritz Bach received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medical science. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and received the Medawar Prize, one of the highest honors in the field of transplantation.

Legacy

Fritz Bach's work has had a lasting impact on the field of transplantation. His innovations in immunological testing and his pioneering efforts in xenotransplantation continue to influence research and clinical practices today. Bach's dedication to improving organ transplantation has saved countless lives and paved the way for future advancements in the field.

Personal Life

Bach was known for his passion for science and his commitment to mentoring young researchers. He was also an avid sailor and enjoyed spending time on the water near his home in Manchester, Massachusetts.

Also see

• Transplantation immunology
• Histocompatibility
• Xenotransplantation
• HLA typing
• Medawar Prize