HLAösszeillesztés

HLA matching, also known as Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matching, is a process used in transplantation medicine to identify compatible donors for organ or bone marrow transplants. The HLA system is a set of genes located on chromosome 6 that encode proteins found on the surface of cells. These proteins play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self cells. In transplantation, HLA matching is essential because the immune system of the recipient may attack the transplanted organ or bone marrow if it recognizes it as foreign.

The HLA system is highly polymorphic, meaning there are many different versions of the HLA genes. The most commonly used HLA types for matching are HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR. A perfect match between the donor and recipient is not always necessary, as partial matches can still lead to successful transplants. The degree of HLA matching is often expressed as a percentage, with 100% indicating a perfect match and lower percentages indicating partial matches.

HLA matching is typically performed using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. These methods allow for the precise identification of HLA types in both the donor and recipient. In some cases, HLA matching may also involve serological testing, which uses antibodies to detect HLA antigens on the surface of cells.

The goal of HLA matching is to minimize the risk of graft rejection, which occurs when the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted organ or bone marrow. By selecting a donor with a high degree of HLA compatibility, the risk of graft rejection can be reduced, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful transplant. However, it is important to note that HLA matching is just one factor among many that influence transplant outcomes, and other factors such as donor-recipient age match, disease status, and overall health can also play a significant role.