Kudostyyppimääritykset

Kudostyyppimääritykset, often translated as tissue typing, refers to the process of determining the immune system's compatibility between a donor and a recipient, primarily for organ transplantation and blood transfusions. The core of this process involves identifying specific antigens present on the surface of the donor's and recipient's cells. The most critical antigens are the Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs), which are encoded by genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).

These HLA antigens are highly polymorphic, meaning there are many different variations within the population. A close match in HLA types between donor and recipient significantly reduces the risk of graft rejection, where the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted tissue or organ as foreign. Conversely, a poor match can lead to a strong immune response and graft failure.

The determination of HLA types is typically performed using serological methods, where antibodies specific to particular HLA antigens are used to detect their presence, or more commonly today, through DNA-based techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or sequence-based typing. These methods provide high resolution and accuracy in identifying the specific alleles of HLA genes.

Beyond transplantation, tissue typing is also crucial in other medical contexts, such as diagnosing certain autoimmune diseases and in paternity testing. The principles of identifying specific genetic markers on cells form the basis of these diverse applications.