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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Alloantibody and Autoantibody?

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The main difference between alloantibodies and autoantibodies lies in the antigens they target. Alloantibodies are immune antibodies produced following exposure to foreign red blood cell antigens, which are non-self antigens but are of the same species. In contrast, autoantibodies are antibodies that react with an individual's own red blood cell antigens.

Alloantibodies:

  • Produced following exposure to foreign red blood cell antigens.
  • Exposure occurs through pregnancy or transfusion.
  • React only with allogenic cells.
  • Examples include anti-K and anti-E.

Autoantibodies:

  • Produced in an autoimmune process and directed against one's own red cell antigens.
  • Can be clinically significant and result in in-vivo hemolysis, though many are considered benign.
  • Typically react with all reagent cells, which can cause serological problems.

Both alloantibodies and autoantibodies can cause problems in blood bank compatibility testing, making it difficult to find compatible blood for transfusion.

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  • What is the Difference Between Alloantibody and Autoantibody?
  • Comparative Table: Alloantibody vs Autoantibody

    • Comparative Table: Alloantibody vs Autoantibody

    Here is a table comparing the differences between alloantibodies and autoantibodies:

    Feature Alloantibodies Autoantibodies
    Definition Antibodies produced following exposure to foreign red blood cell antigens. Antibodies that react with the components of the body's own tissues.
    Production Produced by exposure to foreign red cell antigens, which are non-self antigens but are of the same species. Produced in response to the body's own antigens.
    Reactivity React only with allogenic cells. React with self-antigens and damage the person's own body tissues and organs.
    Exposure Exposure occurs through pregnancy or transfusion. Exposure occurs due to an immune response against the body's own antigens.
    Examples Anti-K and anti-E. Cold auto (P or I) or warm auto (Rh specificity).

    In summary, alloantibodies are immune antibodies produced in response to foreign red blood cell antigens, while autoantibodies are antibodies that react with the body's own tissues and antigens.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.