The role of immunogenetics in organ transplantation

Abstract:

Immunogenetics, as a medical branch that explores the relationship between the immune system and genetics, has become an integral part of transplantation medicine. The HLA compatibility between the recipient and the donor is a major prerequisite to improve transplant and patient survival. Therefore, HLA typing of both organ recipients and organ donors, determination of HLA antibodies in patient serum and cross-matching are the main immunogenetic tests prior to transplantation. In Croatia, as a full member of Eurotransplant, immunogenetic assessment of donors and recipients of cadaver organs is performed at two tissue typing laboratories accredited by the European Federation for Immunogenetics: the Tissue Typing Center at Zagreb University Hospital Centre and Laboratory for Tissue Typing at Rijeka University Hospital Centre, which manages immunogenetic part of organ transplantation program. 

Key words:
histocompatibility testing; HLA -DQ antigens; immunogenetics; organ transplantation