Allograft

Definition

An allograft is a tissue or organ transplant from a donor to a genetically non-identical recipient of the same species. Successful transplantation requires careful matching and immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Allografts are the most common type of transplant used in medical practice.
2. The immune system often recognizes allografts as foreign, leading to the risk of graft rejection.
3. Immunosuppressive drugs are essential to decrease the likelihood of rejection in allograft recipients.
4. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matching between donor and recipient can improve the success rate of allografts.
5. Chronic rejection can occur months to years after an allograft transplant despite initial acceptance.

Review Questions

• What is an allograft and how does it differ from other types of grafts?
• Why is immunosuppression necessary in recipients of allografts?
• How does HLA matching influence the success rate of an allograft?

Related terms

Autograft: A tissue or organ transplant from one part of a person's body to another part of the same person's body.

Xenograft: A tissue or organ transplant from a donor of one species to a recipient of another species.

Graft Rejection: An immune response against transplanted tissue that leads to its damage or destruction.