What is an Isograft?

Isograft refers to a graft that is taken from one individual of the same species and implanted into another individual of the same species. In other words, an isograft is a graft that is derived from a donor of the same genetic makeup as the recipient. This type of graft is often used in transplantation surgery, where the goal is to replace a diseased or damaged organ or tissue with a healthy one from a donor of the same species.

Isografts are considered to be less risky than allografts, which are grafts taken from a donor of a different species or genetic makeup than the recipient. This is because the immune system of the recipient is less likely to reject an isograft, as the tissue is more similar to their own tissue. However, isografts can still be rejected if the recipient's immune system recognizes the graft as foreign and mounts an immune response against it.

Isografts are commonly used in organ transplantation, such as kidney or liver transplants, as well as in bone marrow transplants. They are also used in reconstructive surgery, such as hand or face transplants.