Free CHT Histocompatibility Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

What does histocompatibility refer to?

Accepted Answer

Tissue compatibility for transplants

Answer

Histocompatibility refers to the degree of similarity between the tissues of a donor and a recipient, which is critical for successful organ or tissue transplantation. A high degree of histocompatibility minimizes the risk of the recipient's immune system recognizing the transplanted tissue as foreign and rejecting it.

Question 2

Which molecule plays a central role in histocompatibility?

Accepted Answer

HLA

Answer

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs) are proteins found on the surface of most cells in the body, playing a vital role in the immune system's ability to distinguish self from non-self. These highly polymorphic molecules are the primary determinants of tissue compatibility, making them central to histocompatibility and transplant success.

Question 3

Why is HLA typing necessary before transplantation?

Accepted Answer

To identify compatible tissue

Answer

HLA typing is essential before transplantation to match the donor and recipient as closely as possible based on their HLA profiles. A good HLA match significantly reduces the likelihood of the recipient's immune system mounting a strong rejection response against the transplanted organ or tissue, thereby improving transplant survival rates.

Question 4

What is the function of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)?

Accepted Answer

Present antigens to immune cells

Answer

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, which include HLAs in humans, are responsible for presenting fragments of proteins (antigens) to T lymphocytes. This presentation is crucial for the immune system to recognize foreign invaders (like pathogens) or abnormal cells, initiating an immune response.

Question 5

Which cells are primarily involved in recognizing histocompatibility antigens?

Accepted Answer

T lymphocytes

Answer

T lymphocytes, specifically helper T cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, are the primary immune cells responsible for recognizing histocompatibility antigens presented by MHC molecules. They play a critical role in mediating cellular immunity and are key players in transplant rejection if the donor and recipient tissues are not compatible.

CHT - Certified Histocompatibility Technologist Practice Test

CHT - Certified Histocompatibility Technologist Practice Test

Free CHT Histocompatibility Principles Questions and Answers