The presence of which allele is most significant in transplantation compatibility?

Study for the Certified Histocompatibility Specialist Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The significance of HLA-DR in transplantation compatibility stems from its role as a major component of the immune response. HLA-DR is part of the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which is crucial for presenting antigens to CD4+ T helper cells. In the context of transplantation, matching HLA-DR alleles between donor and recipient is particularly important because a significant portion of the immune response against transplanted tissues is mediated by CD4+ T cells.

When there is a mismatch in HLA-DR, it can lead to a more robust immune response against the transplanted organ, increasing the risk of graft rejection. Therefore, the compatibility of HLA-DR is pivotal for the success of organ transplants, as it directly influences the recipient's immune tolerance to the donor organ.

While other alleles such as HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C also play important roles in immune recognition and graft acceptance, the class II alleles, particularly HLA-DR, are deemed the most critical in the context of transplantation due to their direct involvement in orchestrating the immune response.

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