Histocompatibility testing; Lympho cytotoxicty test and cross matching MHC.
Histocompatibility testing is a crucial component of organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation. It assesses the compatibility between the donor and recipient in terms of their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, also known as human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in humans. Two common histocompatibility tests are lymphocytotoxicity testing and cross-matching:
- Lymphocytotoxicity Test (also called the
Microcytotoxicity Test or Tissue Typing):
- Principle: This test assesses the compatibility of MHC Class
I antigens (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C) between the potential donor and
recipient. It is typically performed before transplantation to determine
the degree of HLA matching between the two individuals.
- Procedure:
- Blood samples from the donor and recipient
are collected.
- Lymphocytes (white blood cells) are isolated
from these samples.
- The lymphocytes from the donor are mixed
with antibodies specific to the recipient's HLA antigens. If there is a
match, the antibodies will bind to the donor's lymphocytes, causing them
to be destroyed (cytotoxicity).
- The degree of cytotoxicity is assessed, and
the results are used to determine the level of compatibility.
- Applications: Lymphocytotoxicity testing helps identify
potential organ or tissue donors who are a good match for the recipient
in terms of MHC Class I antigens. A better HLA match typically results in
a lower risk of transplant rejection.
- Cross-Matching:
- Principle: Cross-matching is performed to assess
compatibility at the MHC Class I and Class II levels between the donor
and recipient. It is a more comprehensive test than lymphocytotoxicity
testing.
- Procedure:
- Cross-matching involves mixing the
recipient's serum with the donor's lymphocytes and vice versa.
- The serum from the recipient may contain
antibodies against the donor's MHC antigens. If these antibodies bind to
the donor's lymphocytes, it indicates a potential risk of hyperacute
rejection.
- The cross-matching results are used to
determine the suitability of the donor-recipient match and the risk of
transplant rejection.
- Applications: Cross-matching is critical in organ and bone
marrow transplantation to ensure that the donor and recipient are
compatible at multiple levels of the MHC. It helps prevent hyperacute
rejection and improves the overall success of the transplantation.
Both lymphocytotoxicity testing and cross-matching are
essential steps in the evaluation of donor-recipient compatibility before
transplantation. They help transplant teams make informed decisions regarding
donor selection, immunosuppressive therapy, and the overall management of the
transplantation process to minimize the risk of graft rejection and improve
patient outcomes.
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