Why is matching required for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant?
Why is matching required for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant?Answer: All individuals carry a unique pattern of genes in their body. Some of these genes are expressed on each cell in our body. On the surface of each of our cells is a group of proteins called the “HLA complex.” This complex is practically unique for each individual, except for identical twins who share the same genes. This complex acts as a unique molecular identification for every human being. If we simply put cells from one individual in to the body of another, the recipient’s immune system (a highly efficient protective system of blood and lymph cells) can recognize these outside cells as “foreign” and attack and kill them. This results in a potentially fatal condition called “graft-versus-host disease” (GVHD). Therefore, it is challenging to replace a dysfunctional organ or defective bone marrow easily. If the person needing a transplant has an identical twin, there’s nothing to worry about. Identical twins hav
