Human genetics and transplantation]

Transplantations represent an important element of treatment in end-stage chronic disease both inborn (mostly genetic) and acquired (degenerative, neoplastic). They are supposed to establish durable coexistence of cells with different genetic origin (in most cases). This union is contradictory to immunological properties of the tissues involved and can only succeed in case of sufficient histocompatibility to be identified by the diagnostic tests of immunogenetics. This review discusses the current approach used in choosing the most appropriate donor for an individual patient, and in monitoring the maintenance of "chimerism" established by the transplantation focussing on bone marrow transplantation. Initially a general outline of indications for organ transplantation is given with emphasis laid on genetic disorders as the outlook of conservative treatments in inborn diseases is generally very poor.