Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Serotype
Introduction
Serotype (Allograft)
Serotype (Allograft)
Transplants between genetically non-identical humans induce the creation of antibodies in the recipient. These non-identical cell-surface receptors between the donor and recipient produce antiserum reactive to the donor proteins. Under selection conditions one or two isoform specificities are obtained. This results in a serotype that is capable of identifying other individuals who have those proteins. This serotyping along with new-PCR based techniques are how tissues for organ-donor programs are characterized. (for more detailed information see Human leukocyte antigens and HLA Serotype tutorial)
| HLA | # of | Broad | Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locus | Serotypes | Antigens | Antigens |
| A | 25 | 4 | 15 |
| B | 50 | 9 | 24 |
| C* | 12 | 1 | 2 |
| DR | 21 | 4 | 8 |
| DQ | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| DP* | |||
| *DP and many Cw require SSP-PCR for typing. | |||