allografting

Allografting refers to the transplantation of tissue or organs from one individual to another of the same species. These transplanted materials are called allografts. In humans, common examples include bone allografts used in orthopedic surgery, skin allografts for burn victims, and organ transplants like kidneys, livers, and hearts. The donor and recipient are genetically dissimilar, which triggers an immune response in the recipient. This immune rejection is a primary challenge in allografting, as the recipient's body recognizes the transplanted tissue as foreign. To mitigate rejection, recipients typically receive immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their lives. These drugs work by suppressing the immune system, making it less likely to attack the allograft. Despite the risks associated with immunosuppression, such as increased susceptibility to infections, allografting is a vital medical procedure that can save lives and significantly improve the quality of life for many patients. The source of allografts can be living donors or deceased donors. Strict tissue typing and crossmatching procedures are performed before transplantation to assess compatibility and minimize the risk of rejection.