Defne Magnetta, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, where she leads efforts to better understand and treat immune responses in pediatric transplant recipients. A clinician-researcher dedicated to advancing both science and patient care, Dr. Magnetta is widely recognized for her original contributions to transplant immunology and her commitment to improving long-term outcomes for children.
She was nominated for The Alliance 40 Under 40 by Mr. Joseph Hillenburg, Strategy Advisor at Transplant Families. “Dr. Magnetta has performed original research into immune biomarkers in pediatric cardiac transplant patients,” Hillenburg shared. “She is helping to lead a national movement to individualize immunosuppression so that children can live longer, healthier lives after transplant.”
Dr. Magnetta completed her medical training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and her residency and fellowship at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Her research focuses on identifying biomarkers that predict rejection and tolerance in pediatric transplant patients, with the goal of tailoring immunosuppression regimens to each child’s unique immune profile. She is actively involved in multicenter collaborations aimed at advancing this precision approach in clinical settings.
In addition to her research, Dr. Magnetta is a devoted clinician who partners closely with families to navigate the complexities of transplant care. She brings empathy, scientific insight, and curiosity to every aspect of her work, earning the trust of patients, peers, and collaborators alike.
Defne Magnetta is a rising leader in pediatric transplantation whose contributions are shaping the future of how we care for — and cure — children with organ failure. Through her innovative research and compassionate care, she is helping redefine what long-term success looks like for the next generation of transplant recipients.