Histocompatibility
Histocompatibility is a term used in biology and immunology to describe the genetic compatibility between the cells of one individual and the cells of another, which is determined by the similarity of the antigens present on the surface of these cells. Histocompatibility is crucial in successful organ transplantation.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Histocompatibility is a complex process that involves the interaction of various genes and proteins. The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a group of genes that play a key role in this process. These genes code for proteins that are displayed on the surface of cells and help the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self cells.
Major Histocompatibility Complex[edit | edit source]
The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a set of genes that code for proteins known as human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). These antigens help the immune system to recognize foreign substances. MHC genes are highly polymorphic, which means that they have many different forms in a population. This high level of diversity is beneficial because it increases the likelihood that an individual will be able to respond to a wide range of foreign substances.
Histocompatibility in Organ Transplantation[edit | edit source]
In organ transplantation, histocompatibility is a critical factor that determines the success of the transplant. The more similar the HLA antigens are between the donor and the recipient, the less likely it is that the recipient's immune system will reject the transplanted organ. This is why close relatives are often the best match for organ donation.
Histocompatibility Testing[edit | edit source]
Histocompatibility testing, also known as tissue typing, is a series of tests that are performed to determine the HLA antigens in an individual. These tests are used to match organ donors with recipients in organ transplantation. They can also be used to diagnose certain autoimmune diseases and to determine susceptibility to certain infectious diseases.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
| Histocompatibility Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
