What is the Difference Between Allograft Autograft and Xenograft

The main difference between allograft autograft and xenograft is that allograft is the transplantation of tissue from one donor to host in the same species, autograft is the transplantation of tissue from the same person, whereas xenograft is the transplantation of tissue from one donor to the host of a different species.

Generally, allograft, autograft, and xenograft are three types of tissue and organ matches in transplantation. Different tissues and organs can be selected according to the different tissue and organ requirements during transplantation.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Allograft
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What are Autograft
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What are Xenograft
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Allograft Autograft and Xenograft
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Allograft Autograft and Xenograft
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Allograft, Autograft, XenograftAllograft Autograft vs Xenograft - Comparison Summary

What is Allograft

Allograft is tissue transplanted from another person. Although the donor is genetically nonidentical in allograft transplantation, the blood type of the donor and the recipient should match. Transplanting allograft types typically include the skin, corneas, hearts, livers, kidneys, and bone and bone marrow. Generally, allografts can be selected from relatives.

Compare Allograft Autograft and Xenograft

Figure 1: Allograft Rejection

Furthermore, allograft transplantation is applicable in various situations depending on the severity of the disease. For instance, bone allograft transplants can be used to repair limbs in orthopedics. Skin transplantation is important in burns while the transplanted cornea is important in returning vision.

What is Autograft

Autograft is the tissue transplanted from the patient’s own body. Organs, tissues, and even proteins can be transplanted like this. One common example of autograft is the transplantation of a piece of bone.

Allograft vs Autograft vs Xenograft

Figure 2: Spinal Graft Displacement

 For example, a piece of bone from the hip bone is ground and pasted for the reconstruction of another part of a bone. Autografts generally use blood, bone, and skin.

What is Xenograft

A xenograft is a tissue transplanted from another species. Transplantation of human tumor cells into immunocompromised mice is an example of xenograft transplantation. A xenograft is an option for end-stage organ failure, which is a significant health problem in the world. Generally, animals such as pigs have a shorter life span, and therefore, their organs and tissues age at a quicker rate. Disease transmission and the permanent change in the genetic code are the other major concerns of xenograft.

Similarities Between Allograft Autograft and Xenograft

  • Allograft, autograft, and xenograft are three types of organ and tissue transplantation in medicine.
  • Generally, the compatibilities of tissues of different origins can vary according to the application.

Difference Between Allograft Autograft and Xenograft

Definition

Allograft refers to a tissue graft from a donor of the same species as the recipient but not genetically identical, autograft refers to a graft of tissue from one point to another of the same individual’s body, while xenograft refers to a tissue graft or organ transplant from a donor of a different species from the recipient.

Graft Origin

Generally, an allograft is a tissue graft from another person, an autograft is a tissue graft from the same person, and a xenograft is a tissue graft from another species.

Reliability

Allograft is comparatively less reliable, an autograft is reliable, while xenograft is not reliable.

Chances of Rejection

In general, chances of rejection are high in allografts and xenografts, but low in autografts.

Chances of Infection

Moreover, the chances of infection are high in the allograft. But the chances of infection are low in an autograft, and high in xenografts.

Types of Organs and Tissues

Allograft transplantation includes the skin, corneas, hearts, livers, kidneys, and bone and bone marrow while autograft transplantation includes blood, bone, skin, and protein transplantation. Xenograft transplantation, on the other hand, includes the transplantation of the kidney, heart, etc.

Conclusion

In brief, allograft, autograft, and xenograft are three types of organ and tissue matches for transplantations. Allograft is the transplantation of tissue from another person. Meanwhile, an autograft is the transplantation of tissue from the same person and a xenograft is the transplantation of tissue from a different species. The rejection and the infection are low in autograft in comparison to allograft and xenograft. In addition, the transplantation of autograft is more reliable. Therefore, the main difference between allograft autograft and xenograft is the degree of tissue matching in the transplantation.

References:
  1. Henderson, Sara RydingReviewed by Emily. “What Are Allograft Transplants?News, 19 Aug. 2020
  2. Autotransplantation.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Sept. 2022.
  3. Xenotransplantation.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Oct. 2022.
Image Courtesy:
  1. Chronic allograft nephropathy – intermed mag” By Nephron – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
  2. Spinal Graft Displacement” By – Own Work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Lakna

Lakna, a graduate in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, is a Molecular Biologist and has a broad and keen interest in the discovery of nature related things. She has a keen interest in writing articles regarding science.

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