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How do autografts differ from allografts?
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transplant
British surgeon Andrew Ready flushing a donated kidney during a transplant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, England, 2006.
In the context of transplant surgery, the primary difference between autografts and allografts lies in the source of the donor tissue and the recipient's immune response.12
- Autografts: These involve transferring tissue from one site to another within the same individual. Because the tissue originates from the patient's own body, autografts are not subject to rejection.12
- Allografts: Also known as homografts, these involve the transfer of tissue between genetically nonidentical members of the same species. Unlike autografts, allografts are typically rejected by the recipient's immune system unless specific medical interventions are taken to prevent this response.12
While autografts are often used for permanent reconstruction—such as skin grafts for burn victims—allografts may be used for various organs and tissues, including hearts, kidneys, and corneas. In some cases, such as severe burns, an allograft may serve as a temporary, life-saving barrier to prevent fluid loss and infection until the patient is stable enough to receive a permanent autograft.12