Tissue typing

Tissue typing is a group of methods that are used to determine the type of tissue a person has. This information is used in organ transplantation to match donors with recipients. The goal is to minimize the risk of organ rejection by the recipient's immune system.

Overview

Tissue typing involves testing to identify the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) molecules present on the cells of a person. These molecules are proteins that help the immune system distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign cells. There are many different types of HLA molecules, and each person has a unique combination of them.

Methods

There are several methods used for tissue typing. These include:

• Serology: This is the oldest method of tissue typing. It involves testing the blood for the presence of certain antibodies. The results can give a rough estimate of the HLA types present, but it is not as precise as other methods.

• PCR: This method uses a process called polymerase chain reaction to make many copies of the DNA that codes for the HLA molecules. The DNA can then be analyzed to determine the HLA types present.

• DNA sequencing: This is the most precise method of tissue typing. It involves determining the exact sequence of the DNA that codes for the HLA molecules.

Importance in Organ Transplantation

Tissue typing is crucial in organ transplantation. The closer the match between the donor's and the recipient's HLA types, the less likely it is that the recipient's immune system will reject the transplanted organ. However, even with a good match, there is still a risk of rejection, and recipients usually need to take immunosuppressive drugs to reduce this risk.

See Also

• Organ transplantation
• Human leukocyte antigen
• Immunosuppressive drug

Tissue typing Resources
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