histocompatibility

[ his-toh-kuhm-pat-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, Immunology.

1. the condition of having antigenic similarities such that cells or tissues transplanted from one (the donor) to another (the recipient) are not rejected.

histocompatibility

/ ˌhɪstəʊkəmˌpætɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the degree of similarity between the histocompatibility antigens of two individuals. Histocompatibility determines whether an organ transplant will be tolerated

histocompatibility

/ hĭs′tō-kəm-păt′ə-bĭl′ĭ-tē /

1. A state or condition in which the absence of immunological interference permits the grafting of tissue or the transfusion of blood without rejection.

Derived Forms

• ˌhistocomˈpatible, adjective

Other Words From

• histo·com·pati·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of histocompatibility¹

First recorded in 1945–50; histo- + compatibility ( def )

Example Sentences

Researchers believe that a particular group of genes, the major histocompatibility complex, play a large role in scent production.

From Scientific American

While that statistic might not enhance the mood, the special sharing is thought to be helpful in sampling the partner’s histocompatibility genes involved in immune response.

From Washington Post

But length and quality of survival are directly related to closeness of histocompatibility between donor and recipient, a factor on which future operations should be made to depend.

From Nature

One possibility is to use gene editing to remove the markers on transplanted cells, called the major histocompatibility complex, that red-flag them for the host’s immune system.

From Nature

A common inhibitory receptor for major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on human lymphoid and myelomonocytic cells.

From Nature