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How does an isograft differ from a xenograft?
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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 an isograft and a xenograft lies in the genetic relationship between the donor and the recipient.12
- Isograft: This involves the transfer of tissue between genetically identical individuals, such as identical twins or highly inbred animals. Because the donor and recipient are genetically the same, these grafts are typically accepted by the recipient indefinitely without rejection.12
- Xenograft: Also known as a heterograft, this refers to a transplant of tissue between members of different species. Unlike isografts, xenografts are usually destroyed very quickly by the recipient's immune system.132
While isografts function as biological matches, xenografts face significant immunological barriers, often requiring specialized methods to manage or prevent rejection. In some cases, certain tissues like bone or heart valves may be used as structural implants where biological integration is less critical than the physical support provided.2