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Ch. 17 - Adaptive Immunity: Specific Defenses of the Host
Chapter 13, Problem 19.3a

Discuss the roles of antibodies and antigens in an incompatible tissue transplant.

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Understand that in an incompatible tissue transplant, the recipient's immune system recognizes the donor tissue as foreign due to the presence of antigens on the donor cells.
Identify that antigens are molecules, often proteins, present on the surface of cells that can trigger an immune response. In the context of a tissue transplant, these are typically human leukocyte antigens (HLAs).
Recognize that antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that specifically bind to antigens. In an incompatible transplant, the recipient's immune system produces antibodies against the donor's antigens.
Explain that the binding of antibodies to the donor antigens can lead to the activation of the immune response, resulting in the destruction of the transplanted tissue, a process known as rejection.
Discuss the importance of matching donor and recipient antigens as closely as possible to minimize the immune response and improve the chances of transplant success.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances, known as antigens. They recognize and bind to specific antigens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells. In the context of tissue transplants, antibodies can target and attack transplanted tissues that are perceived as foreign, leading to rejection.
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Antigens

Antigens are molecules or molecular structures that are recognized by the immune system as foreign. They can be found on the surface of pathogens, cells, or transplanted tissues. In incompatible tissue transplants, the antigens present on the donor tissue may differ from those of the recipient, triggering an immune response that can result in transplant rejection.
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Tissue Compatibility

Tissue compatibility refers to the genetic similarity between donor and recipient tissues, particularly concerning major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. High compatibility reduces the likelihood of an immune response against the transplanted tissue. In cases of incompatibility, the recipient's immune system may produce antibodies against the donor's antigens, leading to acute or chronic rejection of the transplant.
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Guided course
02:38
1) Tissue Damage & Infection